Chapter 2: The Truth Inside The Folder
The two police officers walked into the restaurant with calm, measured steps.
Every conversation stopped.
Victor immediately released Emily's hair and stood up.
"What is this?" he demanded.
I didn't answer.
Instead, I slid the black leather folder across the table.
One of the officers opened it.
Inside were photographs.
Not one.
Not two.
Dozens.
Photos of bruises hidden beneath Emily's sleeves.
Photos of broken dishes after violent arguments.
Photos of holes punched through walls.
Photos Emily never knew I had.
Margaret's face lost all color.
Victor laughed nervously.
"These pictures prove nothing."
"Then perhaps the bank records will," I replied.
The officer lifted another document.
Three years of financial transfers.
Large amounts of money disappearing from Emily's accounts.
Mortgage payments.
Secret loans.
Credit cards opened without authorization.
Everything signed by Victor.
Emily stared at the papers.
"What is this?"
Her voice shook.
Victor reached for the folder.
The officer stopped him.
I looked at my daughter.
"I hired an investigator six months ago."
Emily's eyes widened.
"You... knew?"
"I knew something was wrong."
Tears filled her eyes.
Victor suddenly pointed at me.
"You had no right!"
"No," I said quietly.
"You lost the right to complain the first time you laid your hands on my daughter."
The restaurant remained silent.
Even the waiters had stopped moving.
Then the officer pulled out the final document.
The room froze.
Victor's signature was printed clearly at the bottom.
A life insurance policy.
Five million dollars.
Beneficiary: Victor Kane.
Insured party: Emily Kane.
May you like
The policy had been increased only three weeks earlier.
Three weeks before tonight.
