Chapter 4
I intended to collect the paperwork, retrieve a few remaining belongings, and leave.
I didn't expect to find him home.
And I certainly didn't expect to hear him laughing about my brakes.
After I escaped the house and arranged for the tow, I made one decision that probably saved me from making a terrible mistake.
I called the police.
Not Carolyn.
Not Logan.
Not a friend who might try to confront him.
The police.
I told the dispatcher that I'd overheard my estranged husband admit to tampering with my vehicle and making a statement about my sister's funeral.
I explained that I had already arranged for the car to be moved and that I hadn't driven it.
The dispatcher asked for my location and told me to remain somewhere safe.
Then she asked whether I believed Logan had access to any other vehicles Megan or I might use.
“I don't know,” I whispered.
“Then don't drive either of them until the situation has been assessed.”
I agreed.
Two officers met me near the corner.
I showed them the email, the messages Logan had sent during our separation, and the call log from the towing company.
I also told them that the tow truck was taking my car to Carolyn's house.
One officer looked concerned.
“Did you tell the towing company that you suspected the brakes had been tampered with?”
I felt my stomach drop.
“No.”
He immediately contacted the towing company to warn them not to drive or unload the vehicle unnecessarily and to coordinate a safe transfer to an appropriate secure location.
I realized how frightened and disorganized my thinking had become.
I'd been so desperate to get the car away from Logan that I'd almost created another dangerous situation.
The officer didn't scold me.
He simply explained that the vehicle needed to be preserved for examination.
Then I called Megan again.
She answered immediately.
“Claire, what's going on?”
“I'm with the police.”
There was a long silence.
“What?”
I took a breath.
“I overheard Logan saying he'd interfered with my brakes. He also mentioned your funeral.”
Megan made a small, frightened sound.
“Mine?”
“I don't know exactly what he meant. But I need you to stay inside and not drive anywhere.”
She began crying.
“Claire, are you safe?”
“Yes. I'm with officers.”
“Please don't go back to that house.”
“I won't.”
The police arranged for Megan to be contacted and advised about immediate safety precautions.