Chapter 12 - DEREK’S SECOND PHONEDerek’s first phone was almost empty.
Too empty.
Warren said so immediately.
Nora rolled her eyes.
“You’re not conducting the investigation.”
“I know.”
“Then stop.”
“I’m making an observation.”
“That sounds suspiciously like investigating.”
Priya smiled despite herself.
They were seated in her office.
Warren had been invited only because Nora asked him.
Priya reviewed the forensic summary.
“Derek’s device contains very little history before two months ago.”
Warren nodded.
“Burner work phone.”
Priya looked at him.
“Likely.”
Nora sighed.
“Fine. You win one.”
Warren said nothing.
Smart.
Priya continued.
“Authorities obtained a warrant covering additional devices tied to him.”
Nora looked up.
“Did they find one?”
“Yes.”
A second phone.
Recovered from a storage locker.
More messages.
More clients.
Photographs.
Payment instructions.
And one audio note.
The sender’s voice had been digitally altered.
But the instruction was clear:
“Get something that makes her look unstable. Pills would be ideal. If you get an argument with Ethan, even better.”
Nora felt nauseated.
“An argument with Ethan.”
Priya nodded.
“Suggests the client knew your marriage.”
Warren asked:
“Metadata?”
“Upload routed through encrypted services.”
“Payment?”
“Corporate account.”
“C.A.?”
Priya looked at him.
“Yes.”
Nora stared.
Finally something tangible.
“Is that enough to connect Celeste?”
“No.”
Of course.
Nora almost laughed.
Priya continued.
“C.A. Strategic Consulting is controlled by a man named Calvin Avery.”
“Who is he?”
“Former Arden Foundation deputy director.”
Warren’s expression sharpened.
“When did he leave?”
“Two years ago.”
“Relationship with Celeste?”
Priya turned her laptop.
Photographs from foundation events.
Calvin Avery beside Celeste.
Close enough to suggest trust.
Not intimacy.
Business.
“Maybe he acted alone,” Nora said.
Priya nodded.
“Possible.”
Warren remained quiet.
Nora noticed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Dad.”
He pointed to one photograph.
Calvin wore an Arden Foundation service pin.
Behind him, Ethan stood at a podium.
“What?”
“Nothing yet.”
Nora hated those words.
Warren looked at her.
“But Derek’s second phone proves something important.”
“What?”
“This was organized.”
May you like
Nora nodded.
And organized things left trails.
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