Chapter 38 - the fire that could not erase themSmoke filled the eastern corridor.
Daniel carried two evidence cases while Thomas and Rose moved hard drives through the nursery exit.
The fire spread too quickly to be accidental.
Nora activated the external backup.
Every scanned document transferred to servers in three countries.
The sprinkler system failed.
Someone had disabled it remotely.
Daniel entered Richard’s study one last time.
Flames climbed the curtains.
On the desk lay the list Thomas had sought.
A floor beam collapsed behind Daniel.
He covered his face and crossed the room.
The list contained seventeen names.
Helena Ward was first.
Margaret Mercer was ninth.
At the bottom was a name Daniel recognized:
Claire Reed.
His wife’s maiden name.
Daniel escaped as the study windows exploded.
Outside, Claire took the list from his hand.
Her face changed when she saw her name.
“I never joined anything.”
Thomas stared at his daughter.
“No. But I used your identity.”
For years, he had opened accounts and signed placement documents in Claire’s name to protect himself.
Judge Ward now possessed enough forged evidence to make Claire appear responsible for the network.
Police vehicles arrived.
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The first officer stepped out holding an arrest warrant for Claire.
Helena Ward had made her next move.
