Chapter 17 - The Counterattack
Vanessa disappeared the morning police sought another interview.
Her attorney claimed she needed privacy.
Her phone went off.
Her hotel room was empty.
For twelve hours, nobody knew where she was.
Ethan refused to leave Sophie.
Security remained at every entrance.
By evening, police located Vanessa at a rental property in Ventura County.
She had not fled the state.
But she had taken two suitcases.
Inside one was cash.
Inside the other were documents.
Among them was a passport Ethan had never seen.
Not fake.
Old.
Issued under Vanessa’s maiden name.
Police questioned her.
She denied everything.
She said the audio was taken out of context.
She said Julian was depressed.
She said Sophie had been coached by Ethan.
She said the financial documents were merely estate planning.
She said Maria hated her.
She said Claire was obsessed.
Then Detective Ruiz asked one simple question.
“Why did you keep Julian’s prescription bottle for six years?”
Vanessa had no answer.
She requested her attorney.
The interview ended.
Meanwhile, Ethan’s company investigated Daniel Frost, the former employee who had attacked Ethan’s reputation.
Payment records told the story.
Daniel had received thirty thousand dollars from a consulting company three weeks before speaking publicly.
The company was controlled by a private investigator working for Vanessa.
Daniel admitted he had been paid to “share his experience.”
His statement had been exaggerated.
The board cleared Ethan of misconduct.
The headlines changed again.
But Ethan no longer cared about headlines.
He cared about Sophie.
Her therapist had given her a small exercise.
Draw the house when you feel safe.
Sophie drew the Malibu house.
She drew Ethan.
Maria.
Her aunt Hannah.
The dog.
Then she drew a door.
“What’s behind the door?” Ethan asked.
“Nothing.”
“That’s okay.”
Sophie smiled faintly.
“It’s Vanessa’s room.”
“Why is it empty?”
“Because she doesn’t live here.”
Ethan almost cried.
That was progress.
Not forgetting.
Not pretending.
Simply knowing the danger was no longer inside the house.
Then Maya arrived carrying a sealed envelope.
“What is that?”
“Vanessa made an offer through counsel.”
“Another settlement?”
“No.”
Maya sat down.
“She is willing to provide information about Julian’s death.”
Ethan stared.
“In exchange for what?”
“A negotiated resolution on other charges.”
“Does Claire know?”
“Not yet.”
“What information?”
May you like
Maya’s expression hardened.
“She says another person was involved.”
