“It was a business trip,” the attorney insisted, but his voice lacked conviction.

“We will see you in chambers at 11:30,” Robert said, and hung up.

He looked at me, a grim smile on his face.

“They are terrified,” Robert said.

“I don’t care if they are terrified,” I said. “I just want my children safe.”

We stood up and gathered our coats.

As we walked out of the office toward the elevators, my phone rang in my purse.

It was an unknown number.

I hesitated, then answered it.

“Clara,” a voice said.

It wasn’t Daniel.

It was Vanessa.

Her voice was trembling, and I could hear the sound of traffic in the background.

“Vanessa?” I said, stopping in the middle of the hallway.

Robert turned around, watching me.

“You have to tell them to stop,” Vanessa cried. “The police are at the apartment. They are seizing everything.”

“I can’t do that, Vanessa,” I said, keeping my voice cold.

“They are taking the car,” she sobbed. “They are taking the money Patricia gave me. I have nothing left, Clara. Please.”

“You should talk to Daniel,” I said.