“According to Richard, the helicopter experienced sudden turbulence. He claims your safety harness failed and you fell before he could reach you.”
“He pushed me.”
“I believe you.”
“He opened the door himself.”
“I believe that too.”
“Then why are you speaking as if his story matters?”
“Because he prepared it before the flight.”
Daniel showed me a digital maintenance report submitted that morning. It noted a possible defect in the passenger harness and recommended replacement.
My signature appeared at the bottom.
It was not mine.
“He forged this,” I said.
“Or someone did for him.”
“Who had access?”
“Richard, the aviation manager, and your executive assistant.”
“Clara?”
Daniel nodded reluctantly.
Clara Bennett had worked for me for seven years. She knew my schedule, my passwords, and the details of my estate planning. She had also been the first person to congratulate me when I announced my pregnancy.
“Where is she?”
“She called in sick yesterday.”
I felt the room tilt.
Lena closed the laptop.
“That can wait.”
“No,” I said. “It cannot.”
“Your body has been through a trauma.”
“My entire life has been through a trauma.”
Daniel leaned forward.
“Amelia, Richard believes the search is still underway. He does not know you reached shore. That gives us a brief advantage.”
“What is he doing?”
“He returned to the estate.”
“Our house?”
“Yes.”
My stomach tightened.
“Why?”
“He met with two trustees and requested emergency authority over your personal holdings.”
“So quickly?”
