“The account is registered to an entity called Helios Holdings.”

“Who owns Helios?” I asked, my legal instincts kicking in.

“It is a joint account,” Marcus said.

“Registered under the names of Arthur Pendelton and Vanessa Caldwell.”

The room fell silent except for the crackle of the flames outside.

Emma looked up at us, her eyes wide with a fear that no child should ever know.

“Does that mean they took our school money too?” she asked quietly.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest, a mixture of anger and profound sorrow.

“No, sweetheart,” I said, smoothing her hair back.

“They can’t touch your trust funds.”

But even as I said it, a cold knot formed in my stomach.

I knew Vanessa’s greed didn’t stop at bank accounts.

Detective Pierce stepped toward the window, speaking rapidly into his radio.

“This is Pierce, I need a regional alert on a black luxury SUV, Colorado plates.”

“Suspects are armed and fleeing with two minors.”

The radio crackled back with static, the storm interfering with the signal.

“We copy, Detective, but the pass is blocked by an avalanche near mile marker twelve.”