Chapter 3
Chapter 3: The Party Inside My House
Two hours later, Emma was resting safely in a private medical suite arranged through one of my company contacts.
She finally had warmth.
Food.
Medical care.
Security.
I promised her I would return before sunset.
Then I drove to our old address.
The house looked exactly the same from the outside.
The white stone exterior.
The iron gates.
The front garden Emma loved.
Everything looked untouched.
Except the cars.
Three luxury vehicles sat in the driveway.
None belonged to us.
Music drifted from inside.
People were laughing.
I walked through the front door without knocking.
The conversation stopped instantly.
Ryan stood near the fireplace holding a glass of expensive whiskey.
Beside him was his wife Chloe.
Around them were guests.
Neighbors.
Business associates.
Friends.
All enjoying a party inside the home they stole.
For several seconds nobody spoke.
Ryan finally forced a smile.
"Daniel."
I stared at him.
"You look comfortable."
His smile disappeared.
"What are you doing here?"
I looked around the room.
At Emma's piano.
Emma's artwork.
Emma's furniture.
The life she had built.
Then I asked one simple question.
"Where is my wife?"
Nobody answered.
The silence told me everything.
They knew.
Every single person in that room knew.
Ryan slowly set down his drink.
"We can explain."
I shook my head.
"No."
Then I pulled a thick folder from my briefcase.
"Your attorneys can explain."
May you like
His face changed instantly.
For the first time all afternoon, I saw fear.
