Chapter 12 - CLAIRE'S OFFER
The memory card was moved to police evidence.
Copies were made immediately.
Victor could no longer destroy everything.
But Noah was still missing.
Rebecca Lane was still imprisoned somewhere.
And Claire suddenly wanted to talk.
Her attorney objected.
Claire insisted.
Daniel watched from behind one-way glass as Claire entered the interview room.
Without makeup, expensive clothing, or confidence, she looked smaller.
But not harmless.
Ruiz sat across from her.
"Where is Victor Crane?"
Claire laughed softly.
"You think Victor tells me everything?"
"You worked for him."
"I survived him."
Ruiz leaned forward.
"Where is Noah?"
Claire's smile vanished.
"I don't know."
"Where is Rebecca Lane?"
Claire's eyes flickered.
That was enough.
"You know."
Claire looked toward the glass.
Daniel felt as though she could see him.
"I'll tell Daniel."
Ruiz shook his head.
"You tell me."
"Daniel."
"Nobody else."
Daniel entered despite Ruiz's objection.
He sat across from Claire.
For several seconds, they looked at each other.
Claire whispered.
"You really hate me."
Daniel said nothing.
She continued.
"I loved you once."
"You locked my daughter in a basement on her birthday."
Claire looked away.
"I lost control."
"You planted money in her bag."
"I needed you angry with Sarah."
"Why?"
Claire's jaw tightened.
"Because Victor said Sarah was getting too close."
Daniel leaned forward.
"You drugged me."
Claire's eyes filled with tears.
"Small amounts."
Daniel felt disgust.
"You think that makes it better?"
"He told me you wouldn't be hurt."
"You were trying to steal my company."
"I was trying to get enough money to leave."
"Leave who?"
Claire finally looked frightened.
"Victor."
Daniel remained silent.
Claire whispered.
"He owns people."
"He collects everything."
"Affairs."
"Addictions."
"Crimes."
"Mistakes."
"When I met him, I thought I was using him."
"Then he had enough evidence to destroy me."
Daniel almost laughed.
"You destroyed yourself."
Claire lowered her head.
"Maybe."
Then she looked up.
"But Sophie is going to die if you don't listen."
Daniel stood so fast the chair hit the wall.
"Don't use her name."
"I'm telling you the truth."
"Victor needs the memory card."
"He knows Sophie had contact with Noah."
"If he thinks she knows where the original records came from, he'll take her."
Daniel's voice was cold.
"He'll never get near her."
Claire shook her head.
"You still think Victor works alone."
Daniel stopped.
"Who else?"
Claire looked toward the camera.
"I want protection."
"You don't get to bargain with me."
"Then Noah dies."
Daniel stared at her.
Claire whispered a location.
"Saint Catherine's."
Daniel frowned.
"The abandoned hospital?"
"Basement level."
"Room B-17."
"Rebecca is there."
"How do you know?"
May you like
Claire closed her eyes.
"Because Victor kept me there once too."
