He Called at 3 AM to Move the Car, I Called 911 to Move the Body Chapter 11

He Called at 3 AM to Move the Car, I Called 911 to Move the Body Chapter 11

Ethan’s funeral was held on an overcast day.

Many people came. Longtime employees. Business partners, College classmates. Students he’d quietly

supported.

I’d always thought he didn’t have many friends. That day, I learned he’d done so much behind my back.

He’d covered surgery costs for Old Liu’s daughter, He’d helped Uncle Zhao keep his house when he couldn’t pay the mortgage. He’d paid a struggling student’s tuition for five years straight.

He never told me. He’d just come home, hold me, complain that my takeout was unhealthy, then clumsily

make a pot of porridge.

At the grave, I set down the wedding ring.

After the case closed, the evidence was returned to me. The ring had been cleaned, but small scratches

remained.

I traced the letters “NH” on the inside. My throat tightened.

“Ethan.”

“I sent them to prison. I saved the company too. Don’t frown at me from wherever you are and say I’m being

stubborn.”

The wind blew. The flowers swayed.

I pulled an envelope from my bag. Attorney Reed had given it to me.

Ethan had made a supplemental will before he died. If anything happened to him, all his shares would

transfer to me.

Inside was also a letter.

His handwriting was familiar.

“Little Branch:

If you’re reading this, curse me first. Then eat something.

If you still can’t drive, then don’t. I said I’d drive you for life–maybe that was too big a promise. But don’ì

be afraid of cars. Don’t be afraid of 3 AM phone calls.

You’re smarter than you think. Braver than you know. Even if I’m not here, you’ll still make things work.

I love you.”

I crumpled the paper.

I crouched in front of the headstone, crying until I couldn’t breathe.

Uncle Zhao stood nearby, eyes red. “Ms. Hayes, Ethan wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

I wiped my face. “He’ll have to deal with it. He left me to clean up this mess.”

Uncle Zhao laughed through his tears.

I didn’t leave right after the service.

I sat on the cemetery steps from noon until dusk.

My mind was full of Ethan.

The first time he chased me, he brought a bouquet of the ugliest sunflowers–the florist had recommended them, he said. The first time he met my mom, he was so nervous he called her “Professor” instead of “Ma’am.” The first time he bought me a car, he was more excited than if he’d won the lottery.

He’d loved me so carefully. He remembered the smallest things-even the fact that I couldn’t drive.

But his own family had forgotten everything.

I stood up and put the letter away.

“Ethan, I’m leaving now. I have a board meeting tomorrow. If you’re worried, drop by my dreams tonight

and hand me the reports.”

On the drive back, Detective Vance called.

“There’s a very good chance the appellate court will uphold the original verdict.”

I hummed in response.

He paused. “Nora, you’ve done well.”

I watched the streetlights blur past the window.

“Not enough. Ethan died at three in the morning. From now on, the lights at NorthRiver Cold Chain will

never go out at three a.m.”

Detective Vance let out a quiet laugh.

“If you ever need help, call me.”

“Detective.”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for believing me.”

A pause on the other end.

“I didn’t just believe you.

My heart skipped.

He quickly added, “I mean the evidence spoke for itself.”

I finally laughed. “Detective, you almost walked into a minefield.”

He coughed. “Professional habit. I’ll let you go.”

I held the phone, laughing until tears came again.

This time, it didn’t hurt as much.