Chapter 25 - the wife who opened the doorClaire had disappeared from the hospital parking garage.
Security footage showed her entering a blue vehicle voluntarily.
Daniel watched the recording again.
“She knew the driver,” Nora said.
Rose stood behind him.
“Or wanted the driver to believe she did.”
A message arrived from Claire’s phone.
COME ALONE TO THE FIRST HOUSE.
Daniel understood immediately.
The Mercer family had owned another property before the estate—a farmhouse forty miles north. Richard had sold it when Daniel was six.
Except no sale record existed.
Margaret had transferred it to a shell company controlled by Samuel.
Daniel arrived after sunset.
The farmhouse door was unlocked.
Claire sat at the kitchen table across from Samuel.
She was not restrained.
Between them lay the original trust.
Samuel gestured toward the empty chair.
“Your wife came because she understands negotiation.”
Claire looked at Daniel.
“He offered to release Rose and leave the country.”
“He already lost Rose.”
Samuel’s smile disappeared.
Claire continued.
“He does not know the recordings were copied.”
Samuel turned toward her.
That was the distraction Daniel needed.
He crossed the room, but Samuel overturned the table and escaped through the rear door.
Daniel followed him into the orchard.
A car engine started.
Then stopped.
Tessa stood beside the vehicle holding Samuel’s keys.
“You used me,” she said.
Samuel drew a knife.
Tessa did not move.
May you like
Police lights appeared beyond the trees.
Claire had transmitted their location before Daniel arrived.
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