Chapter 5
I read the insurance document until the words blurred.
Five million dollars.
My name listed as the insured.
Lauren listed as the beneficiary.
And Daniel's signature at the bottom.
For one terrible moment, I couldn't move.
Then I called Margaret.
She answered immediately.
"Victoria?"
"I need you to look at something."
I forwarded the photograph.
She was silent for several seconds.
Then she said, "Where did this come from?"
"Lauren."
"Did she explain it?"
"No."
Margaret exhaled.
"Do not contact either of them tonight."
I looked toward my front door.
"Margaret, am I in danger?"
"I can't determine that from a photograph, but we need to verify the policy and take the situation seriously."
My hands shook.
"What should I do?"
"Stay somewhere secure tonight. Preserve the messages. We'll contact the insurer and appropriate authorities."
I nodded.
"Okay."
"Victoria, listen to me."
"I'm listening."
"Don't confront Daniel."
"I won't."
After we hung up, I packed a small overnight bag.
Then I drove to my mother's house.
She opened the door wearing her robe.
"Baby?"
I stepped inside.
And for the first time in my adult life, I was afraid to be alone.
My mother locked the door behind me.
"What happened?"
I showed her the photograph.
She read it slowly.
Then her face changed.
"Oh, Victoria."
I swallowed.
"I don't know what it means."
She took my hand.
"Then we'll find out."
We sat together until midnight.
My mother made tea.
I couldn't drink it.
Every time a car passed outside, I looked toward the window.
I hated feeling frightened.
I had spent my career helping people navigate difficult situations.
Now I was the one trying to understand a threat I couldn't see clearly.
The next morning, Margaret called.
She had contacted the insurance company through the appropriate channels.
The insurer confirmed that a policy application had been submitted using my personal information.
But there was a problem.
My signature appeared on the application.
I closed my eyes.
"Another forgery?"
"We need a formal review to establish that."
"Was the policy active?"
"The insurer is investigating the application and its status."
I swallowed.
"And Lauren?"
"The records identify her as the proposed beneficiary."
I stared at the kitchen wall.
"Why would Daniel do that?"
"We don't know."
My mother sat beside me.
I could see her listening.
Margaret continued.
"I've also notified the authorities about the document and Lauren's messages."
I nodded.
"What happens next?"
"They may want to interview you."
"Good."
"Victoria, there's another issue."
My stomach tightened.
"What?"
"Daniel recently attempted to increase the coverage."
I felt cold.
"How recently?"
"Three weeks ago."
Three weeks.
During the same period he had been insisting that our divorce settlement should be handled privately.
Three weeks before his mistress slapped me outside the courthouse.
Three weeks before I discovered the company records.
I gripped the phone.
"Margaret, I want him kept away from me."
"We can discuss a protective order and other safety measures based on the available evidence."
I nodded.
"Please."
That afternoon, an investigator named Detective Aaron Mitchell came to my mother's house.
He was calm and respectful.
He asked detailed questions about Daniel.
Our marriage.
Our separation.
The financial disputes.
The insurance application.
And the messages from Lauren.
I answered everything honestly.
When he asked whether Daniel had threatened me, I told him about the conversation at my front door.
I played the recording.
He listened carefully.
Then he asked, "Has Mr. Bennett ever physically harmed you?"
"No."
"Has he attempted to intimidate you?"
"Recently, yes."
I explained his statements.
The pressure to settle privately.
The warnings.
The hidden financial documents.
Detective Mitchell wrote everything down.
Then he said, "We'll review the records and determine whether additional investigative steps are warranted."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
Before leaving, he added, "Until we have more information, please take reasonable precautions and report any new contact or threats."
I agreed.
That evening, Lauren called again.
I didn't answer.
Then she left a voicemail.
Her voice was trembling.
"Victoria, I know you hate me."
I stared at the phone.
"But I need to tell you something."
A pause.
Then she whispered, "Daniel told me you were sick."
My stomach tightened.
"He said you had a serious medical condition."
I felt dizzy.
"He said the insurance was part of your estate planning."
I pressed my hand against my mouth.
Lauren began crying.
"I believed him."
Another pause.
"Then I found documents showing he applied without you knowing."
I looked toward my mother.
She watched me silently.
Lauren continued.
"He told me we'd be rich when everything was over."
My blood ran cold.
"I thought he meant the divorce."
She sobbed.
"Victoria, I don't think that's what he meant anymore."
The voicemail ended.
I sat motionless.
I didn't know whether Lauren was telling the truth.
I didn't know whether she was trying to protect herself.
But the possibility was terrifying.
I forwarded the voicemail to Margaret and Detective Mitchell.
Then I looked at my mother.
She reached for my hand.
"You're safe here tonight."
I nodded.
But I didn't feel safe.
Not yet.
May you like
Because the man I had married had apparently created a financial document tied to my death.
And I had no idea what else he might have planned.
