Chapter 3 - THE BOY IN THE BLUE STATION WAGON
The following morning, Adrian summoned his head of security.
“Find Ethan.”
The man hesitated.
“Sir?”
“The boy who drove my wife away.”
His security chief, Marcus Bell, looked uncomfortable.
“Mr. Vale, I don't think that's appropriate.”
Adrian stared.
“Excuse me?”
“Mrs. Vale left voluntarily.”
“I know that.”
“Then tracking her without her consent would be—”
“Marcus.”
The warning was unmistakable.
Marcus swallowed.
Then said something Adrian hadn't expected.
“Sir, Ethan is nineteen.”
Adrian frowned.
“And?”
“He's a volunteer.”
“At what?”
Marcus looked down.
“The Mercer Community Center.”
Adrian stared.
“What community center?”
Marcus hesitated.
“The one Mrs. Vale founded.”
Silence.
Adrian slowly sat.
“My wife founded a community center?”
“Yes, sir.”
“When?”
“Seven years ago.”
Adrian stared.
“Seven?”
Marcus nodded.
“The center provides meals, tutoring, emergency housing referrals, and support for families dealing with medical expenses.”
Adrian felt something cold move through his chest.
“Why didn't I know?”
Marcus looked at him.
Then said quietly:
“Mrs. Vale tried to tell you.”
Adrian said nothing.
Marcus continued.
“She invited you to the opening.”
Adrian searched his memory.
Seven years earlier.
A Thursday.
Claire had asked him to attend something.
He remembered being irritated because he had a meeting.
He had told her to stop treating charity projects like business emergencies.
He closed his eyes.
“What else?”
Marcus hesitated.
“Ethan's grandmother, Ruth, was one of the center's first clients.”
Adrian looked up.
“Why was he driving her?”
“Because Mrs. Vale helped his family when his grandfather died.”
Adrian stared.
Then remembered Claire's words.
Who the hell is Ethan?
May you like
And her answer.
That is why I'm leaving.
