Chapter 10 - THE MAN WHO HIRED CLARA
Clara had never been hired directly by Adrian.
He knew that, technically.
The Vale household used an executive staffing agency, and Mason handled final background reviews.
But Clara’s application had been unusual.
“I didn’t apply for this job,” she said.
Adrian’s eyes narrowed.
“Then how did you get here?”
“Dr. Harlan called me.”
Emma’s private pediatrician.
The same doctor Clara had questioned about the baby’s deep sleep.
“He said a family needed someone with pediatric experience because the mother was overwhelmed and the father traveled. He offered twice my hospital salary.”
“Why would Harlan recruit a nanny?”
“I asked that. He said Vanessa wanted someone clinical.”
Adrian laughed bitterly. “Vanessa spent months telling me you were too clinical.”
Clara looked again at Olivia’s photograph.
Dr. Harlan had entered the garage the night Natalie died.
The detective immediately issued a request to locate him.
Adrian called St. Catherine’s.
“Do not release Emma to anyone except me or Clara Moreno.”
Clara looked at him.
He paused.
“If Clara agrees.”
She nodded once.
At 1:06 p.m., Olivia finally called from a blocked number.
“Dad.”
“Where are you?”
“In Mom’s old studio downtown.”
Adrian nearly shouted. “Stay there. I’m sending police.”
“No. Listen first.”
“Olivia—”
“Dad, Mom recorded herself the day before she died.”
Adrian went quiet.
Olivia played the file over speaker.
Natalie’s voice trembled.
“If Adrian finds this, it means I was right to be afraid. Graham is moving money through Brightwell. Mason is giving him access. Harlan is signing medical invoices for patients who don’t exist.”
A pause.
“And Vanessa…”
Natalie exhaled.
“Vanessa says she wants out. I don’t know if I believe her.”
Clara’s eyes widened.
The recording continued.
“She says Graham is forcing her to help because he has evidence linking her to the fraud. She asked me for money and protection.”
Adrian stared at the phone.
Vanessa had not started as Graham’s partner.
Maybe she had started as his victim.
Then Natalie said one last sentence.
“But tonight Vanessa asked me a question that scared me more than anything else.”
May you like
The audio crackled.
“She asked what would happen to my children’s trusts if I died.”
