Chapter 2 - The Missing Money
Claire discovered the missing money that morning.
At 6:14 a.m., she tried to pay the final hospital deposit for the delivery of their baby.
The card was declined.
She checked the account.
Ten thousand dollars had been withdrawn over the previous five days.
The transactions were divided into smaller amounts.
A florist.
A caterer.
A private venue.
A tuxedo shop.
A jewelry store.
Claire first assumed the account had been compromised.
Then she saw the location.
Silver Oaks Estate.
The wedding venue was less than two hours away.
Michael had told her he was attending a business retreat there.
He had kissed her forehead the night before and promised to return before their son was born.
Claire called him.
No answer.
She called the venue.
A coordinator confirmed the groom’s name.
Michael Grant.
Claire’s husband of seven years.
Her hands began shaking.
Then the coordinator asked:
“Are you with the bride’s family?”
May you like
Claire looked at the empty side of the bed.
“No,” she said. “I’m with the groom’s wife.”
