The next morning, Nathan got up around five-thirty to use the bathroom. His phone was on the nightstand between us. Unlocked.
I had maybe fifteen seconds.
I picked it up, opened messages, and saw a thread near the top with one name.
Henry.
Nathan’s older brother. His business partner. The man who had toasted at our wedding and called me “the smartest person in the room” like it was a compliment instead of a warning.
The most recent message read: We need to talk about the accounts. Something is off. Call me before you do anything.
The bathroom door clicked open.
I set the phone back exactly where it had been and rolled onto my side, heart thudding so hard I felt it behind my teeth.
When Nathan climbed back into bed, he touched my arm like a husband.
I lay still and stared into the dark.
I had prepared for my husband to become my opponent.
I had not prepared for his brother to become his accomplice.
By sunrise, I knew my plan was no longer a clean, careful exit.
It was a race.
And I had just learned I wasn’t the only one running.
Part 4
The papers were supposed to be served at Nathan’s office.
That had been my favorite part of the original plan.