Chapter 6 - Brenda’s Hidden Exit
The following afternoon, Brenda left her purse open on the island.
Thomas would normally have ignored it.
Then her second cellphone began vibrating inside.
The screen displayed only one word.
Daniel.
Brenda hurried into the room and snatched it away.
“Don’t touch my things.”
“I didn’t.”
“You were staring.”
“It was ringing.”
She slipped the phone into her dress.
For the first time, Thomas saw fear beneath her contempt.
That night, he heard Brenda speaking in the living room after Kevin went upstairs.
“Once the house sells, I’m leaving,” she whispered.
A man’s voice replied faintly.
“And Kevin?”
“He’ll take the blame for everything.”
Thomas remained hidden in the hallway.
Brenda had no intention of building a future with Kevin.
She planned to take the stolen money and disappear with another man.
The next morning, Thomas told Claire.
“Can we use it?”
“Only if we obtain the evidence legally.”
Thomas looked at the kitchen’s security panel.
The mansion had cameras outside, but none inside.
Then he remembered Elaine’s old voice recorder.
She had used it to dictate recipes when arthritis made writing painful.
Thomas placed it inside the hollow base of the lemon bowl.
That evening, Brenda and Kevin argued near the island.
“You promised the court would approve it,” Brenda snapped.
“It will.”
“What if your father challenges the deed?”
“He can’t prove anything.”
“The notary’s clerk saw you.”
“She was paid.”
“And the man pretending to be Thomas?”
Kevin’s voice lowered.
“He’s gone.”
Thomas felt cold.
Gone could mean several things.
Brenda folded her arms.
“I need my share before the hearing.”
“You’ll get it after we sell the Dayton house.”
“And the rentals?”
“Mine.”
Brenda laughed.
“You forged your father’s name because I told you to. Don’t pretend you’re suddenly in charge.”
Kevin grabbed her wrist.
“You’d still be serving drinks at a casino without me.”
“And you’d still be begging your father for an allowance without me.”
Thomas listened from the hallway.
Their partnership was cracking.
The cruelty they had directed at him was turning inward.
Then Kevin released Brenda and looked toward the dark hallway.
“Is he awake?”
Thomas stepped backward silently.
The floorboard beneath his heel creaked.
May you like
Kevin’s head turned.
👉 Thomas had recorded their confession, but Kevin had heard movement in the hallway and was now walking directly toward him.
