Chapter 4

On Friday afternoon, Jack texted me saying he had a business dinner and wouldn't be home.

I replied, "Okay."

Then I put on my gray uniform and went to Sterling Group.

Today was my last day as a cleaner.

Before I left, I wanted to finish my work.

By 8:00 PM, the office was nearly empty.

I took my mop up to the twelfth floor.

His office door was unlocked.

I slipped inside, retrieved the hidden camera from the restroom, and checked his desk drawers.

I didn't leave empty-handed.

Hidden under a stack of papers at the bottom drawer was a bank book.

The account wasn't in his name. It belonged to a "Leo Gray."

I took pictures of it.

The balance wasn't massive—about $150,000.

But for a sales manager, there was no way he could explain where this cash came from.

As I closed the drawer, footsteps echoed in the hallway.

I quickly hid behind the door.

The footsteps stopped right outside his office.

The door pushed open.

Two people walked in.

Chloe.

And Marcus, the purchasing manager.

"There’s a problem with the shipment," Marcus’s voice was low. "The buyer is pushing, but the goods won't pass inspection."

"Delay them for two days," Chloe’s voice lacked its usual sweet, innocent tone. It was cold and calculating. "I've already set Jack up. Once he signs the papers tomorrow, he’ll take the fall."

Jack.

My husband.

"When is he coming back?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Chloe paused. "What about his wife? Any suspicion?"

"She’s just a clueless housewife. What could she possibly do?" Marcus chuckled. "Jack said she’s incredibly stupid. She believes everything he says."

I stood behind the door, completely still.

My fingers gripped my phone.

Their footsteps faded, and the door clicked shut.

I stood in the darkness for a long time.

Then I stepped out, went into the restroom, and saved the recording.

Incredibly stupid.

Believes everything.

I looked at the mirror and smiled.

My face looked tired in the gray janitor uniform. I did look like an idiot.

On the fiftieth day.

I sent everything to William.

"It’s time," I said.

William was silent for a few seconds. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"No regrets?"

I looked out the window at the city lights.

This city was so big. If a man disappeared, no one would even notice.

"No regrets."

The next day was Saturday.

Jack didn't go out. He lay on the couch playing on his phone.

I was in the kitchen cooking, the sizzle of the pan drowning out the TV.

His phone rang. He glanced at it, stood up, and went into the study to answer it.

He shut the door.

But it didn't latch completely.

I heard him say, "The shipment is here? Fine, I'll head over right now."

He came out, changed his clothes, and grabbed his car keys.

"Something urgent came up at work. I have to go out."

"Will you be back for dinner?"

"Not sure," he was already at the door. "Don't wait up."

The door slammed shut.

I turned off the stove, set the spatula down, and grabbed my phone.

On the screen was the real-time location sharing William had sent me.

The red dot was moving toward the east side of the city.

I changed my clothes and walked out.

I hailed a cab and followed the dot.

The red dot stopped in front of an abandoned warehouse.

I had the driver drop me off a block away, paid the fare, and got out.

The warehouse was dimly lit.

I crept around the side, climbed over a low brick wall, and found a dirty window to peer through.

Jack was there.

So were Chloe, Marcus, and a few men I didn't recognize.

Dozens of plastic-wrapped packages were stacked on the floor.

One of the men ripped a package open, revealing a white powder.

I raised my phone and started recording.

My hand was steady.

Just then, a voice startled me from behind.

"Ma'am, what are you doing here?"

I spun around.

A security guard with a flashlight was staring at me.

His shout alerted the people inside the warehouse.

The beam of the flashlight cut through the darkness.

I saw Jack’s face look out from the warehouse entrance.

And then, he saw me.

I would never forget his expression at that moment.

First, pure shock.

Then, utter disbelief.

Finally, a savage glare.

His mouth opened, and he yelled to the men inside, "There’s someone here! Grab her!"

I turned and bolted.

Heavy footsteps pounded behind me.

I gripped my phone tightly, running as fast as my legs could carry me.

The main road was just ahead.

There were headlights.

If I could just reach the road, I would be safe.

Thirty yards.

Twenty yards.

Ten yards.

Just as I was about to burst onto the asphalt—

A hand clamped onto my arm.