"That's what we were discussing when you came in like a hurricane," Ethan says dryly.
"I still think we should confront her directly," I say. "Just show up at her place, demand answers."
Ethan shakes his head. "If she has a reason for pushing us away, barging in could make things worse."
"I'm out altogether," Declan says quietly. "My rap sheet... I don't want to be the reason she won't talk to any of us."
"That's bullshit," I argue. "You know she didn't care about your..."
A knock at the door interrupts me. Ethan's assistant, Linda, pokes her head in, looking apologetic.
"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Cross, but there's a Ms. Sinclair here to see you. Says it's urgent."
The three of us exchange startled glances. Jade. Here.
"Send her in," Ethan says, his voice carefully controlled.
Linda disappears, and we all stand, tension crackling in the air. I don't know whether to be thrilled or terrified. After three days of silence, what could have brought her here? What will I say when I see her? What will she...
The woman who enters is not Jade.
It's Catherine Sinclair, Jade's mother. We've all met her before, briefly, during that epic house visit.
"Ms. Sinclair," Ethan says, his tone neutral. "How can wehelp you?"
She attempts a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "I need your help. My daughter is in danger."
"From who?" Ethan asks sharply.
"A woman named Becky Mercer." She pauses, gauging our reactions. "The daughter of Charles Mercer, Jade's first manager."
Charles. Jade's former manager? I look at Ethan who slightly shakes his head. Okay, not now. But he will have to share that story with us soon.
"What about her?" Declan asks, his voice dangerously soft.
Catherine shifts uncomfortably. "She's... she's been the one stalking Jade. Sending the threats. Breaking into her house."
"And how exactly do you know this?" Ethan asks, his eyes narrowed.
"I've been... helping her," Catherine finally admits. "Becky contacted me months ago. She said she wanted to get back at Jade, that my daughter deserved to suffer for what she did to her father. Firing him and all..."
The room goes deathly silent.
"And you helped her?" I can't keep the disgust from my voice.
Catherine shrugs, unrepentant. "I figured it was just about rattling her. A little pressure. Some cash. Nothing serious." She waves her hand dismissively, as if we're discussing aminor inconvenience and not months of psychological torture.
"You knowingly helped someone terrorize your own daughter for a payday." Declan's voice is barely above a whisper, which somehow makes it more terrifying.
"It wasn't like that," Catherine protests weakly. "It was just supposed to be pressure. Scare tactics."
"So why are you here now?" Ethan asks, his voice cold.
"I called Becky today, to ask when I'd get my cut. She laughed at me. Said there was never going to be any money." Catherine's face twists with genuine fear. "She said she didn't care about the money. She wanted Jade to suffer like her father suffered. And then... then she said it was almost over."
I feel the blood drain from my face. "When was this?"
"An hour ago." For the first time, she looks afraid, but not for Jade. She's scared her paycheck might bleed out before she can cash in.
