Chapter 10 - The Safe Beneath the Rug
Frank did not force Derek to open the safe.
He asked Sarah.
“Whose bedroom is it?”
“Ours.”
“Whose name is on the property?”
“I don’t know anymore.”
“Then we preserve it until investigators arrive.”
Derek moved toward the bedroom.
Leah blocked the hallway.
“You are not touching that safe.”
He raised one hand.
Frank stepped forward.
Derek lowered it.
Sarah watched the exchange.
Derek’s courage existed only when the other person was smaller, isolated, or emotionally dependent.
Against Frank’s discipline, Leah’s evidence, and a live recording, he became cautious.
A notification sounded from the second phone.
Celeste:
DID YOU MOVE THE VANCE FILES?
The message was visible only briefly before the screen dimmed.
Sarah looked at Derek.
“What files?”
Leah answered.
“Michael’s death benefits.”
Frank’s expression changed.
After Michael died, his military insurance was divided between Frank, Sarah, and the foundation.
Sarah’s portion remained in a protected account until she turned twenty-five.
Derek met her six months before that birthday.
He proposed quickly.
He offered to help manage the paperwork.
Frank had never known Derek gained access.
The files in the safe could prove the marriage itself began as part of the theft.
Sarah’s hand moved protectively over her belly.
She had believed Derek loved her before he knew about the money.
May you like
Now she was no longer certain.
And that uncertainty hurt more than the bruise.
