Chapter 12 - The Man Behind the Door
The name was Daniel Mercer.
Madison knew it immediately.
He was the son of her grandfather's former partner.
He had appeared at family events when Madison was young.
Always smiling.
Always distant.
She had not seen him in years.
Why would he visit Dad?
Ethan shook his head.
He never told me.
But I saw him.
Where?
At the house.
How often?
Three times.
When?
Always after midnight.
Madison looked at Richard.
Why didn't you tell me?
Richard lowered his eyes.
Because Daniel told me he could make Ethan disappear without anyone knowing.
Madison's expression hardened.
And you believed him?
I had no choice.
There is always a choice.
Not when the threat is real.
Ethan stepped between them.
Stop.
Both looked at him.
I know where he keeps the key.
Madison froze.
What key?
The key Grandpa told me about.
Ethan reached into his sweater.
He removed a small metal key.
I was supposed to give it to Madison when I turned fourteen.
Madison took it.
Where does it go?
Ethan looked at Bradley.
He knows.
Bradley sighed.
The old courthouse archive.
Madison stared.
Why would your grandfather hide evidence in a courthouse?
Because it is the one place Daniel cannot legally enter without being noticed.
They drove there before sunrise.
The archive was nearly empty.
Bradley used his credentials.
They entered a restricted storage room.
The key opened a drawer.
Inside was a sealed envelope.
Madison opened it.
A handwritten letter fell out.
It was from her grandfather.
Madison read silently.
Then her face changed.
What?
She handed the letter to Bradley.
He read it.
His expression collapsed.
Richard took it.
He whispered:
No.
Madison looked at him.
What does it say?
Richard could not answer.
Evelyn finally spoke.
Tell her.
Richard looked at his daughter.
Your grandfather believed I was not your biological father.
Silence.
Madison stared.
What?
Richard shook his head.
It was never proven.
Then who?
The letter contained a name.
Madison looked down.
Her eyes widened.
May you like
Because the name was not Daniel Mercer.
It was someone she knew.
