Chapter 4 - Keep Talking
Daniel called at 8:13 that evening.
Clara nearly dropped the phone when his name appeared.
Evelyn placed it on the table.
“Do not answer unless you want to.”
Clara looked at Sophie asleep on the couch beneath a pink blanket.
Then she pressed accept.
The call was placed on speaker. Clara’s attorney had already explained the recording rules and the protective-order conditions.
Daniel’s voice came through calm and controlled.
“You took my daughter.”
Clara said nothing.
“Bring her back tonight, and I may choose not to destroy you.”
Evelyn leaned closer to the phone.
“Counselor, choose your next words carefully.”
A pause.
Then Daniel laughed.
“And who are you supposed to be?”
Evelyn glanced at the recording indicator.
“The person who just heard you attempt to intimidate someone under legal protection.”
Daniel’s tone sharpened.
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
Evelyn’s voice remained level.
“Please. Keep talking.”
He did.
He threatened Clara’s custody case.
Her finances.
Her reputation.
He said he knew which judges respected his firm. He promised to make the abuse allegations look like revenge from an unstable wife.
Then he made his greatest mistake.
He said, “A bruise is not proof when I control the story behind it.”
Clara closed her eyes.
Evelyn watched the recording continue.
May you like
Daniel thought the call was power.
It was evidence.
