Chapter Six: The Man No One Suspected
Richard Hayes couldn't stop thinking about one question.
Who knew Victoria's office password?
The answer surprised him.
Only four people.
Victoria.
Jacob.
Himself.
And...
His younger brother.
Nathan Hayes.
Richard drove directly to Nathan's architectural firm.
Nathan smiled when he arrived.
"What brings you here?"
Richard closed the office door.
"Were you in Victoria's office before the gala?"
Nathan laughed.
"Of course not."
"You knew her password."
"So did you."
Richard studied his brother carefully.
Nathan appeared relaxed.
Too relaxed.
"You've been asking strange questions lately."
Nathan shrugged.
"Curiosity."
Richard stood.
"Did you delete the security footage?"
Nathan's smile faded.
"I think you should leave."
Hours later Brooks received forensic results from Nathan's office computer.
Someone had searched online only two days before the gala.
How to permanently erase surveillance footage.
Brooks immediately requested another warrant.
As officers entered Nathan's office the next morning...
They found the computer missing.
His assistant looked confused.
"He came in before sunrise."
"What did he take?"
"Only one thing."
"What?"
"The hard drive."
Brooks looked toward the parking lot.
Nathan Hayes had vanished.
Across Los Angeles...
Nathan drove toward a remote beach house carrying a small black safe.
He unlocked it.
Inside...
Wrapped in white silk...
Lay Victoria's mother's bracelet.
Nathan smiled.
May you like
"So much trouble..."
"...for something that was never supposed to be found."
