Chapter 15 - Why Evan followed Daniel
Evan eventually agreed to cooperate.
Not because television interrogation broke him.
Because the evidence against him was strong and his attorney negotiated.
His story:
Nathan called him late Thursday.
Said Daniel had removed confidential company material and intended to give it to competitors or lawyers.
Nathan wanted company property recovered.
Evan asked whether Daniel authorized access.
Nathan said:
“Corporate security authority covers it.”
False or at least grossly misleading.
Nathan told him Daniel was flying to Chicago.
He also said:
“His wife and kid are staying with family this week.”
Where did Nathan get that?
Daniel had told a coworker earlier in the month that we might visit my sister during his trip.
Plans changed.
Nathan’s information was stale.
Evan followed Daniel to the airport to confirm he actually left.
Then drove back.
He used the old service credential.
Entered.
Searched the office.
Found only partial records.
He believed Daniel kept a black leather document case in our bedroom closet because he had seen Daniel carry it upstairs during the earlier secure-storage installation.
That was why he walked toward our room.
He heard voices.
By then he knew someone was inside.
Why continue?
He said:
“I thought I could grab the case and leave before anyone came out.”
That decision turned questionable asset retrieval into something far more serious.
He reached the door.
Tried the handle.
Then heard sirens.
Ran.
No evidence Nathan told him to harm us.
No evidence Evan intended to confront Lily.
No weapon.
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But he entered an occupied home without permission for the purpose of taking material.
Danger does not require murder intent.
