Chapter 1 - THE WOMAN UNDER THE BED.
Victoria Hale covered Lily’s mouth with one black-gloved hand.
“Tell me where your mother hid the drive.”
Eight-year-old Lily trembled beside the hospital bed but refused to point downward. Beneath the white sheets, Claire lay hidden on the cold floor, one hand covering her own mouth.
Victoria released the child and gripped her hospital gown.
“One answer, and this ends.”
“My mom trusted me. I won’t tell you.”
Near the bed leg sat Lily’s yellow toy SUV. A memory card was taped beneath it.
Claire reached slowly toward the toy.
Victoria noticed it first.
“Then this means nothing to you.”
Her heel crushed the plastic roof. The memory card slid beneath the bed, straight into Claire’s hand.
Claire unlocked her phone and sent one message.
A distant siren began outside.
Victoria turned toward the door.
Lily glanced down and saw her mother holding the card.
“I found the evidence,” Claire whispered.
Then the hospital-room handle began turning from the outside.
May you like
Victoria smiled.
“The police aren’t the only people coming.”
