Chapter 13 - The Second Face
The police initially believed Tyler was confused.
Then they found security footage from a gas station near the warehouse.
A man appeared on camera.
Tall.
Gray coat.
Same posture.
Same walk.
Same distinctive watch.
Emma stared at the screen.
The watch had belonged to her father.
Officer Mason: “Could this be someone impersonating him?”
Emma: “Maybe.”
But something inside her refused to accept that explanation.
Diane looked terrified.
Emma: “Mom.”
Diane didn't respond.
Emma: “You knew.”
Diane finally whispered:
Diane: “Your father had a twin.”
Emma stared at her.
Emma: “What?”
Diane: “His name was Daniel.”
Emma: “Why didn't I know?”
Diane: “Because your father wanted it that way.”
Emma: “Why?”
Diane looked toward the warehouse.
Diane: “Because Daniel disappeared years ago.”
The investigation shifted.
The man on the footage might not be Emma's father.
But he might be someone who knew him better than anyone.
Then the police discovered a second identity connected to the shell company.
Daniel Carter.
Emma stared at the documents.
Her father's family name.
Her father's signature.
Her father's photographs.
Everything seemed impossible.
Then her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
You finally know about Daniel.
Emma typed:
Who are you?
The reply came immediately.
Someone who has been protecting you.
Emma stared at the screen.
Another message appeared.
Don't trust the police.
Before she could respond, the phone rang.
Emma answered.
A man's voice whispered:
Voice: “Your father never died the way they told you.”
Emma's heart raced.
Emma: “Who are you?”
Voice: “Ask your mother what happened the night he disappeared.”
The call ended.
Diane closed her eyes.
Emma turned toward her.
May you like
Emma: “Mom.”
Diane began to cry.
