CLAIRE

I woke up to my phone ringing insistently. I grabbed it without looking at the screen, still half asleep.

"Hello?" I mumbled.

"Ms. Cross, this is Detective Martinez," a familiar voice said. "I apologize for calling so early."

I sat up immediately, suddenly wide awake. Julian stirred beside me, his eyes opening. "Detective, is everything okay?" I asked.

"I'm calling because Vanessa Whitmore's situation has changed," he explained. "Her lawyer contacted us last night with new information."

My heart started beating faster. "What kind of information?" I asked.

"I can't discuss details over the phone," Detective Martinez replied. "But her lawyer is requesting an emergency meeting with you today."...