Part 5:

Whoever covered this up, they’re going to come after you. Let them. Celeste extended her hand. Ethan shook it. Her grip was firm, her hand cold from the November air. Thank you, she said. Don’t thank me yet. We’ve got a long way to go. She got in the SUV and drove off. Ethan watched the tail lights disappear, then locked up the shop.

 On the drive home, his phone rang. Rebecca Marsh, you’re up late, Ethan said. Did you meet with her? Yeah. And and I think she’s on our side. Mr. Cross, I gave her copies of everything. She’s going to investigate internally. We’ll coordinate with whatever you’re doing. Silence. Then Rebecca said, “You’re either very brave or very stupid.” Probably both.

 If this blows up, it’s already blown up. Now we’re just trying to control the damage. Another pause. Okay. I’ll need to meet with you next week. Go over everything before depositions start. Fine. And Mr. Cross, watch your back. People have been hurt. The person responsible isn’t going to go quietly. I know.

 He hung up and drove the rest of the way home in silence. So, the weekend passed in a blur. Saturday, Ethan took Maya to the library. Sunday they did laundry and watched movies. He didn’t tell her what was happening. She was six. She didn’t need to know her dad was about to walk into a  storm. Monday morning, the first news article dropped.

Celeste Motor CEO launches internal investigation into recall scandal. By noon, it was everywhere. Social media, cable news, financial networks. The stock price cratered another 15%. Ethan’s phone started ringing. reporters, lawyers, someone claiming to be from a documentary crew. He ignored all of them.

 Then Tuesday afternoon, his phone rang with a number he recognized. Celeste Vaughn. Have you seen the news? She asked without preamble. Yeah. Someone leaked the fact that I fired my head of legal. Now the board is demanding answers. I’ve got an emergency meeting in 2 hours. What do you need from me? Nothing yet. Just be ready. This is going to get worse before it gets better. She wasn’t wrong.

 Wednesday morning, Ethan opened the shop to find a man in an expensive suit waiting outside. Ethan Cross. Depends on who’s asking. The man handed him a business card. Gerald Vance. I’m outside counsel for Celeste Motors. We need to talk. I’m busy. Mr. Cross, you’ve inserted yourself into a very complicated situation.

 There are legal implications, financial implications. I’m here to help you navigate that. I don’t need your help. You might want to reconsider. Vance’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. We’re aware you’ve been collecting company property without authorization. Parts. Documents. That could be considered theft. Ethan felt anger flare hot in his chest.

 Those parts were sent to my shop for repair. That’s not theft. And the documents are my own records of work I did. A creative interpretation, but interpretation matters in court. Vance stepped closer. Here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to turn over everything you’ve collected. In exchange, we’ll make sure you’re protected from any legal liability.

Protected by who? The company that’s being sued. The company has significant resources, Mr. Cross. Resources that could make your life very difficult if you choose to be uncooperative. Get off my property. Vance didn’t move. You have a daughter, don’t you? Maya, 6 years old. Everything stopped. Ethan’s vision went red at the edges.

 What did you just say? I’m saying you should think carefully about the choices you’re making for her sake. Ethan grabbed Vance by the front of his suit and slammed him against the garage wall. You threatened my daughter, I will end you. Do you understand me? Vance’s eyes went wide. That’s assault.

 I don’t give a Ethan’s voice was low. Dangerous. You go anywhere near her, you so much as say her name again, and I will make you regret it. Now get the hell out of here.” He let go. Vance stumbled, straightened his suit, and back toward his car. “You just made a serious mistake. Add it to the list.” After Vance drove off, Ethan stood in the empty garage, shaking.

 He pulled out his phone and called Celeste. “Your company just sent someone to threaten me,” he said when she answered. “What? Who?” Gerald Vance said, “If I don’t turn over the evidence, they’ll come after me.” Then he threatened my daughter. The line went silent. Then Celeste’s voice came back colder than he’d ever heard it.

“Stay where you are. I’m handling this.” She hung up. 20 minutes later, Ethan’s phone buzzed with a news alert. Celeste Motors fires outside counsel amid recall investigation. Celeste called back an hour later. “Vance is gone. I’ve retained new legal counsel, independent firm, and I’m assigning security to your house and shop.

 I don’t need Yes, you do. Someone just threatened your child. That’s not coming from me, which means there’s a faction inside my company actively trying to bury this. Until we know who, you’re getting protection. Ethan wanted to argue, but she was right. Okay, I’m sorry, Ethan. I’m trying to fix this, but it’s bigger than I realized.

👉 [Tap here for Next Part] 👈