Chapter 4 - NATHAN CROSS
Julian’s business partner disappeared.
Not internationally.
Just from our social circle.
Nathan Cross stopped answering calls and skipped a scheduled deposition in the divorce case.
Sarah became interested.
So did Detective Bell.
Three days later, Nathan contacted law enforcement through an attorney.
He wanted immunity consideration.
That told us enough.
Nathan admitted Julian’s development company had been losing money for almost eighteen months.
A warehouse project collapsed.
Two investors demanded repayment.
Julian used new loans to cover old obligations.
Not an elaborate criminal empire.
A desperate financial spiral.
Nathan said:
“Julian kept saying Elena’s house would fix everything.”
My stomach turned.
“Did you hear him threaten me?”
“No.”
“Did he talk about forcing a sale?”
Nathan looked ashamed.
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
“He said after the accident you’d be easier to deal with.”
Sarah froze.
“After what accident?”
Nathan closed his eyes.
“He said you were going to have an accident.”
Marcus leaned forward.
“When?”
“Two days before she was burned.”
There it was.
A second source.
Not camera.
Not my memory.
A witness.
Nathan continued.
“I thought he was talking about staging damage to the house.”
“What?”
“He wanted an insurance event. Maybe electrical. Something that would make you want to sell.”
Julian had considered burning the property?
Nathan claimed he rejected the idea.
Then Julian said:
Fine. I’ll handle Elena.
Two days later, I was in the burn unit.
Nathan panicked.
He destroyed some business messages.
Then kept others.
Now he turned them over.
One from Julian:
She still won’t sign. Mom says push harder.
Another:
If she ends up in rehab for a few weeks, Sarah may convince her to liquidate.
My own recovery had been part of the projected timeline.
I felt sick.
---
Evelyn was interviewed again.
She denied everything.
Until Marcus showed her one still frame from the kitchen.
Not the video.
Just a photograph.
Julian’s hands behind me.
Evelyn in the background.
Her face changed.
She asked for a lawyer.
Good.
That was her right.
May you like
The interview ended.
---
