The first few were confusion. Where are you? The next ones turned angry. Then came panic. By voicemail fourteen, his tone had changed completely.
Lena, call me back. Something is wrong. Please.
I played them twice, trying to decide whether the fear was real or staged.
Then I got a message from Rachel.
It was only three words.
Please answer me.
I did not.
Instead, I let Miriam do what I had paid her to do. She sent Drew a formal notice that I was represented, that all future communication should go through counsel, and that any attempt to access my accounts, workplace, or travel records would be documented. She also sent a preservation letter regarding electronic records, insurance documents, and debt instruments.
That afternoon, Drew stopped leaving voicemails.
Two days later, Miriam called and asked me whether Drew had ever mentioned his younger sister, Emily, having a substance problem.
