Chapter 12 - The Last Person I Trusted
Michael raised both hands.
“Wait.”
Daniel stepped toward him.
“You heard it.”
“I did.”
“Then explain.”
Michael looked at Richard.
Richard looked equally confused.
“I don't know what she meant.”
Daniel stared at Michael.
“Where were you the night Rebecca disappeared?”
Michael didn't answer.
Emily stepped forward.
“You were with her.”
Michael finally nodded.
“Yes.”
Daniel felt betrayed.
“Why?”
“Because she asked me to help.”
“Help her steal the money?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
Michael took a breath.
“She was trying to stop the transfer.”
Richard stared.
“But the money was already gone.”
“Not all of it.”
Michael pulled a flash drive from his pocket.
“This contains the original transaction records.”
Daniel took it.
“Why didn't you give this to the police?”
“Because the records identify people who have enough power to destroy evidence.”
Daniel looked at him.
“And Rebecca?”
“She knew too much.”
“Where is she?”
Michael hesitated.
“I don't know.”
Daniel stepped closer.
“You'd better start knowing.”
Michael finally spoke.
“She went to meet Claire.”
Richard's face tightened.
“Why?”
“Because Claire had the missing account information.”
Daniel looked at the flash drive.
“And Emily?”
Michael shook his head.
“Rebecca never wanted Emily involved.”
Emily interrupted.
“But I am involved.”
Everyone looked at her.
She held a folder.
“I found this in the old house.”
Daniel opened it.
Inside was a photograph of Rebecca and Claire.
Behind them stood a third person.
Daniel recognized him immediately.
His grandfather.
But his grandfather had been dead for fifteen years.
Daniel stared at the photograph.
“That can't be possible.”
Richard took it.
His hands began to shake.
Michael whispered.
“That's not your grandfather.”
Daniel looked at him.
“Then who is it?”
Michael answered quietly.
“His brother.”
Richard closed his eyes.
Daniel felt the entire family history shifting beneath his feet.
Then his phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
Rebecca spoke.
“Daniel?”
He couldn't move.
“Rebecca?”
“Listen carefully.”
“Where are you?”
“I can't tell you.”
“Are you safe?”
“No.”
Daniel's grip tightened.
“Who has you?”
Rebecca paused.
Then whispered:
“Your father.”
Daniel looked at Richard.
Rebecca continued.
“Don't trust him.”
The call ended.
Richard stared at Daniel.
“I swear to you, I didn't take her.”
May you like
Daniel said nothing.
Because somewhere deep inside him, he no longer knew whom to believe.
