Chapter 6: The First Move
I left the hospital at 7:40 a.m.
The sun was already up, but I felt like I was still moving through the dark. My body was exhausted, yet my mind was strangely sharp. I drove straight to Margaret Hale’s office instead of going home. She was already waiting for me when I arrived.
Margaret was in her late fifties, sharp-eyed and unflinching. She had been my father’s attorney for over fifteen years and had become mine after his death. She didn’t waste time with pleasantries.
“Sit,” she said, gesturing to the chair across from her desk. “Tell me everything that happened last night.”
I told her about the hospital, the gasoline smell, the briefcase, and the paramedic’s comment about accelerant containers. I also told her about the way Evan and Denise had reacted when I ordered evidence preservation.
Margaret listened without interrupting. When I finished, she leaned back in her chair and studied me.
“You’ve been preparing for this,” she said. It wasn’t a question.
I nodded. “For months.”
She opened a thick folder on her desk.
“I’ve already started building two parallel cases,” she said. “One civil, one criminal. The video from the hospital security cameras showing Denise clutching the briefcase is useful, but we need more. Do you still have the hidden camera footage from the warehouse?”
“I do,” I replied. “It’s backed up in three different locations.”
“Good.” Margaret made a note. “What about the forensic accountant’s report on the pension fund?”
“I have it. And I have the original documents showing the transfers.”
Margaret nodded, satisfied.
“Then we move fast,” she said. “I’m filing for an emergency injunction this morning to freeze all major company accounts and prevent Evan or Denise from accessing any funds. I’m also contacting the Department of Labor regarding the pension fund. If we can prove they were stealing from employees, the federal charges will be much heavier.”
I was quiet for a moment.
“What about the warehouse fire?” I asked.
Margaret looked at me directly.
“That’s the most dangerous part for them right now,” she said. “If the police can link them to arson, they’re looking at serious prison time. But we need to be careful. Right now, you are both a victim and a key witness. We don’t want to do anything that could compromise the investigation.”
I nodded.
Margaret leaned forward slightly.
“Allison,” she said, her voice more serious, “once we start this, there’s no going back. Evan and his family will fight dirty. They’ll try to attack your credibility, your mental health, even your fitness as a mother. Are you ready for that?”
I met her eyes.
“I’ve been ready,” I said. “I just didn’t have the proof until last night.”
May you like
Margaret studied me for a few seconds, then nodded.
“Then let’s begin.”
