Chapter 3 - The Secret Benefactor
Clara walks out of the precinct in an absolute daze.
The bright afternoon sun temporarily blinds her as she steps onto the sidewalk.
A sleek, bulletproof black car silently pulls up to the curb right in front of her.
The tinted back window slowly rolls down.
A man with striking features and a jagged scar across his jawline is sitting in the back seat.
"Get in, Clara, before Vanessa's hitmen find you," the stranger commands.
Clara hesitates, gripping her wet clothes tightly.
"Who are you?" she asks cautiously.
"I am Victor Sterling," the man replies.
Clara gasps, recognizing the name of Julian's estranged, dangerous older brother.
She climbs into the luxurious car, desperately needing answers.
Victor pours a glass of whiskey and hands her a high-tech tablet.
"I am the one who provided the police with the video evidence to get you out," Victor explains.
Clara looks down at the tablet and presses play.
It is a recording from a hidden security camera pointing directly at the swimming pool.
The video clearly shows Vanessa pushing the baby stroller into the deep end.
"Why didn't you show this to Julian?" Clara asks, tears of relief flooding her eyes.
Victor offers a cold, humorless smile.
"Keep watching, Clara," Victor instructs.
Clara stares at the screen as the video continues playing after the splash.
Vanessa pulls out her phone and dials a number while the baby sinks.
The video has perfectly clear, enhanced audio.
"It is done, darling," Vanessa says into the phone.
The voice that answers her on the speakerphone makes Clara's blood run completely cold.
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"Good work, Vanessa, I will be out there in ten seconds to act surprised," the voice replies.
It is Julian's voice.
