Nicole needed to know if her father's death had hidden facets. Brett undoubtedly held some answers, and a chilling suspicion gnawed at her.

What if her father's death wasn't a suicide?

Ethel noticed the worry in Nicole's eyes. "Miss Lawrence, it's not just about finding Brett. It could be dangerous."

Nicole squared her shoulders, a steely resolve settling over her. "I can handle it. I'll follow your lead, I promise. I won't get in your way."

Ethel studied Nicole for a moment, weighing the risks. She thought it over and finally nodded. “Alright, but you must do exactly as I say. I know you're older, but experience counts here."

Nicole nodded earnestly. “I understand. I'll do as you say."

"Good," Ethel replied, glancing at her watch. "We don't have much time. Your father's case was closed as a suicide, and the economic fraud case linked to it is almost out of its records retention period. If we don't find what we need by year's end, the evidence will be destroyed."

The fraud case had kept surveillance footage on file, but with the case closed, those records were on borrowed time. Without them, convicting anyone would be nearly impossible.

Nicole understood the urgency. "I get it."

Ethel then shifted topics. "Did you come today because of the issue with the Hampton family's young lady?"

Nicole nodded. "Yes."

Ethel shook her head, the weight of yesterday's events still fresh.

A look of disgust crossed her face. Vicki was ruthless, even targeting a child. She became serious. "You might not be able to see her though. The Hamptons’ Lawyer is already processing her bail as we speak."

Nicole wasn't surprised. She had anticipated this. Wealthy families like the Hamptons always had top-tier lawyers on retainer, and since no one had died, bail was almost guaranteed. If they didn't have such power, Vicki wouldn't be so audacious.

“And they're pinning it all on the nanny, aren't they?" Nicole asked.

"The Hampton family's attorney supports this assertion. I wish I could share more, but that's all for now," Ethel remarked.

Nicole nodded. She could uncover the details of the Hampton family's attorney's assertion on her own. What Ethel revealed hardly qualified as an information leakage. Plus, her presence here wasn't to see Vicki.

"I'm here to see the nanny," Nicole declared.

Ethel's eyebrow arched in surprise. "The nanny?"

"Yes, I need to speak with her."