“Someone told him.”
“Who?”
Alex and Maya exchanged a look.
“We don't know.”
By six thirty, news spread that Martin Vale had survived the fall.
Barely.
Caroline and Jake were missing.
Police had recovered Sophie's stolen phone and handbag from the condo.
They also found tools.
A drill.
Crowbars.
A sledgehammer.
They had torn open three walls.
Whatever they wanted had not been found.
Alex insisted Sophie be moved to a private house outside the city.
Maya approved.
Before we left, she pulled me aside.
“There is something you should know.”
“What?”
“Caroline's family has been investigated before.”
“For what?”
“Fraud. Extortion. Coercive property transfers. Elder abuse.”
I felt nauseated.
“They do this regularly?”
“We believe so.”
“How many victims?”
“Potentially dozens.”
“Then why aren't they in prison?”
“Because victims retract statements. Documents are legally signed. Witnesses disappear.”
My mind returned to the bridal suite.
Six women.
Locked door.
Prepared documents.
