Chapter 5 - The Unlikely Ally
Claire grabbed the heavy brass lamp from the bedside table.
She crept toward the door, her heart hammering against her ribs.
“Who is it?” she demanded.
“Open up, Claire, it is Sarah.”
Claire hesitated, her hand trembling on the deadbolt.
Sarah was Evelyn Rothwell’s former personal assistant.
She had been abruptly fired two weeks ago.
Claire unlocked the door and pulled the younger woman inside.
Sarah looked terrified and out of breath.
“How did you find me?” Claire asked.
“I tracked your phone.”
Sarah pulled a thick manila folder from her oversized coat.
“Evelyn is setting you up.”
Claire lowered the heavy lamp.
“Why would Evelyn need to steal her own family’s jewelry?”
“Because she is broke,” Sarah whispered.
“Her father lost their entire fortune in offshore gambling.”
Sarah opened the folder to reveal dozens of bank statements.
“She swapped the bracelet with a fake and planned to sell the real one.”
Claire stared at the documents in shock.
“Why frame me?”
“Because Nathaniel loves you, and Evelyn wants him for his money.”
Suddenly, the motel window shattered inwards.
May you like
A tear gas canister rolled across the cheap carpet.
White smoke began to fill the small room.
