She said she was sorry she couldn't be there when I was little, but she was here now and she wasn't going anywhere. Lily looked up at him with innocent eyes. What did she mean, daddy? How could she love me since I was born if she just met me? Daniel had no answer.
He had nothing but a growing dread that something was very, very wrong. He arrived at Riverside Park at 11:45 a.m. The bench by the old oak tree was empty. Leaves scattered across the path in the autumn wind and the sky hung gray and heavy with the threat of rain. Daniel sat down and waited. 11:50 He checked his phone.
No messages. 11:55 He texted Victoria. I'm here. Where are you? 12:00.
No response. 12:05. He called straight to voicemail. Victoria, it's Daniel. I'm at the park, the bench by the oak tree.
I'm waiting. 12:15. He called again. Hey, it's me. Starting to worry.
Call me back. 12:30. Victoria, please. Whatever you need to tell me, I can handle it. Just call me.
12:45. He stood and paced phone pressed to his ear. God damn it, Victoria. Answer your phone. 1:00 p.m. The first drop of rain fell.
Daniel didn't move. He stood by that bench as the sky opened up as rain soaked through his jacket as his phone stayed silent in his hand. 1:15. He called Mrs. Patterson, can you keep Lily a few more hours? Something came up.
Of course, dear. Is everything all right? I don't know. 1:30. He drove to Hayes Enterprises.
The security guard at the front desk looked confused. Mr. Carter, it's Saturday. I know. Has Ms. Hayes been in today? No, sir.
I haven't seen her. Daniel's stomach dropped. What about her assistant, Rachel? Is she available? Ms. Hayes's assistant doesn't work weekend.
Sir, give me her number. Sir, I can't give me her godamn number. The guard flinched and handed over a business card. Daniel dialed before he reached the parking lot. Hello.
A woman's voice annoyed at being disturbed. Rachel, this is Daniel Carter. I work with Victoria. I know who you are, Mr. Carter. The annoyance shifted to weariness.
What do you want? Have you heard from Victoria today? She was supposed to meet me and she never showed. Silence on the other end. Rachel.
Mr. Carter. Where are you right now? The office parking lot. Why? Stay there.
I'm sending someone. Sending someone? What the hell is going on? Just stay there. The line went dead.
Daniel stood in the rainwater streaming down his face and felt the world tilt beneath his feet. Something was wrong. Something was terribly, horribly wrong. 15 minutes later, a black sedan pulled into the lot. A man in a dark suit stepped out.
Not someone Daniel recognized. Mr. Carter, who are you? My name is William Bradford. I'm Ms. Hayes's attorney. The man's face was gray. his eyes hollow.