Chapter 5: The Guest List
The next day, Claire came to my office.
She looked exhausted.
“I owe you an explanation,” she said.
I closed my office door.
“Start with the party.””
Claire nodded.
“Vanessa told us your mother was hired help because she was embarrassed.””
“Embarrassed by what?””
“She wanted us to think she had everything under control.””
“She clearly didn't.””
“No.””
Claire sat down.
“She hasn't been herself for months.””
I frowned.
“What does that mean?””
“She's been getting strange calls.””
“From whom?””
“She never said.””
“Did she talk about me?””
“Yes.””
“What did she say?””
“She said you were planning to divorce her.””
I leaned against my desk.
“I never said that.””
“I know.””
“How?””
“Because I asked her when the party started.””
Claire hesitated.
“She said she needed to make you look bad first.””
My jaw tightened.
“Why?””
“Because she believed everyone would blame you if the marriage ended.””
I stared at her.
“That's insane.””
Claire looked down.
“I've been her friend for eight years. I know when she's scared.””
“Scared of what?””
“She owes money.””
“Who?””
“I don't know.””
“How much?””
Claire shook her head.
“More than she can repay.””
Then she pulled out her phone.
“There was an account.””
She showed me a screenshot.
It contained a series of payments from Vanessa's account to a company I didn't recognize.
I felt sick.
“These started months ago.””
“Yes.””
“What's the company?””
Claire zoomed in.
“Private consulting.””
I stared at the name.
My stomach dropped.
It was the same firm that had investigated me.
“Vanessa didn't hire them to find out if I was cheating.””
Claire looked at me.
“What?””
“She hired them to find someone.””
“Who?””
“I don't know.””
I called Vanessa.
She didn't answer.
I called again.
Nothing.
Then Mom called.
“Marcus?””
Her voice sounded frightened.
“What happened?””
“Someone was at the house.””
My entire body went rigid.
“Who?””
“I don't know.””
“Are you safe?””
“Yes. I'm at the neighbor's.””
I stood up.
“What happened?””
“There was a man at the door.””
“What did he say?””
“He asked for Vanessa.””
My heart pounded.
“Did you see him?””
“Only briefly.””
“Mom, listen to me. Do not go back inside.””
“I won't.””
“I'll be there.””
I looked at Claire.
She had heard enough.
“I'll come with you.””
We drove back to the house.
Nothing appeared disturbed.
But on the front porch was an envelope.
No name.
Just one sentence.
*Ask Vanessa why she never told you about your brother.*
I stared at it.
My brother.
The word hit harder than the rest.
I didn't have a brother.
Not one I knew about.
I turned to Claire.
“What does this mean?””
May you like
She looked terrified.
“I think Vanessa knows.””
