Chapter 6
The morning sun filtered weakly through the hospital window, casting long, pale shadows across the linoleum floor. Clara was resting comfortably, her breathing deep and even, though the monitors beside her hummed a rhythmic, clinical tune. Mark was sitting quietly in the armchair, nursing a lukewarm cup of paper-cup coffee, when a soft knock sounded at the open door.
Detective Vance stepped into the room, holding a brown leather portfolio under his arm. He wore a rumpled gray suit that looked like it had survived a long night, but his eyes were sharp and attentive. He offered a respectful nod to Mark, who stood up quickly and stepped out into the hallway to avoid disturbing Clara.
"Morning, Mr. Hayes. How is Mrs. Hayes holding up?" Vance asked quietly, keeping his voice low as the door clicked shut behind them.
"She’s resting, Detective. The doctors say the baby is out of immediate danger, but she has to stay here for at least another week under strict observation," Mark replied, leaning his shoulder against the hallway wall. He crossed his arms defensively, his jaw tightening. "Have you picked her up yet?"
Vance opened his portfolio, flipping through a few crisp white pages. "We went to Maya’s apartment early this morning. She wasn't there. Her neighbors reported seeing her pack a suitcase and leave in her car late last night, right after the incident was logged into the system. She knew we were coming."
Mark let out a harsh, bitter breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "She’s running. Figures. She’s a coward who only attacks pregnant women when she thinks she has the upper hand."
"We’ve issued an arrest warrant for felony assault in the second degree, given the vulnerable status of the victim and the severity of the potential harm," Vance explained smoothly, clicking his pen open. "Her credit cards and cell phone are currently being pinged. It's only a matter of time before we locate her. But I need to ask you both a few more questions about the motive. You mentioned a dispute over an estate?"
Mark nodded, his eyes fixed on a spot on the opposite wall. "It’s our grandmother’s estate. Maya was named in the initial will years ago to receive a collection of antique Victorian jewelry and a modest trust fund. But right before our grandmother passed away last year, she changed the legal documents. She realized Maya was deep in gambling debt and was going to liquidate everything. She left the entirety of the estate to Clara instead, with the stipulation that Clara could share it if she chose to, but legally, it belongs to my wife."
Vance took meticulous notes, his pen scratching rhythmically against the paper. "And Maya knew about the change?"
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"She found out last week," Mark answered bitterly. "She came over demanding the keys to the safety deposit box. When Clara refused to hand them over without consulting a lawyer first, Maya lost her temper. That’s when the argument turned physical."
"Greed makes people do catastrophic things," Vance murmured, closing the portfolio. "We’ll find her, Mr. Hayes. Make sure your wife focuses on healing. I’ll keep you updated the moment we have her in custody."
