Chapter 1 - The Hidden Lens
The color completely drained from Ethan's face when Dr. Rachel Carter mentioned the camera.
He glanced nervously at his mother.
Margaret gripped her designer purse so tightly her knuckles turned white.
They both knew the kitchen camera had been broken for months.
Or so they thought.
Ethan quickly recovered his composure and smoothed his expensive silk tie.
He let out a condescending laugh that echoed in the sterile hospital room.
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Doctor," Ethan lied effortlessly.
"My wife has severe paranoia and installs dummy cameras to make herself feel safe."
Rachel crossed her arms and stared him down.
"The police detectives waiting downstairs don't seem to think it is a dummy camera."
She pulled a small digital tablet from her medical coat.
"In fact, they are reviewing the live cloud backup on this screen right now."
Ethan lunged forward to snatch the tablet from her hands.
Before his fingers could touch the screen, two uniformed officers stepped through the hospital room door.
The taller officer placed a heavy hand on Ethan's shoulder.
"Sir, we need you and your mother to step into the hallway for questioning," the officer commanded.
Margaret began to fake hyperventilate, clutching her chest.
"I am an old woman and my daughter-in-law is a pathological liar!" she screamed.
I kept my eyes closed behind the curtain, letting the pain medication dull the burning agony across my skin.
Everything was going exactly according to my carefully constructed plan.
Then Ethan pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"You have no right to question me without my attorney present," Ethan smirked at the officers.
The hospital room door swung open once again.
A man in a sharp gray suit walked in with a leather briefcase.
My heart suddenly stopped beating.
It was Arthur Vance.
May you like
He was not just Ethan's defense lawyer.
He was the trustee I had secretly hired to protect my father's estate.
