Chapter 6 - The Man Who Knew Her Name
The door opened.
Daniel stepped inside.
Laura stared at him.
He looked exhausted.
His shirt was wrinkled.
His face was pale.
“Laura.”
She stood.
“What are you doing here?”
Daniel looked at Margaret.
Then at the open box.
“You found it.”
Laura felt something inside her break.
“You knew about this?”
Daniel didn't answer.
“Daniel.”
“I knew about the box.”
“How long?”
“Not long.”
“That's not an answer.”
He walked closer.
“Your father contacted me before he died.”
Laura stepped back.
“My father contacted you?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because he asked me not to.”
Laura laughed bitterly.
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
Daniel looked toward the door.
“We don't have much time.”
“Time for what?”
“Elliot knows you have the notebook.”
Margaret immediately looked at him.
“How?”
“He has someone watching the house.”
Laura thought of the dark SUV.
Daniel continued.
“And he knows about the recording.”
Laura's face changed.
“What recording?”
Margaret looked at her.
“The mall.”
Daniel stared at Laura.
“You recorded them?”
“Yes.”
“Where is the phone?”
“With me.”
Daniel nodded.
“Good.”
Laura studied him.
“Are you working with my mother?”
Daniel hesitated.
That hesitation was enough.
Laura stepped away.
“You are.”
“No.”
“You came here before me.”
“Because Margaret called me.”
“Why?”
“To keep you alive.”
Laura stared at him.
“That's not an explanation.”
Daniel lowered his voice.
“Your father didn't die because of an accident.”
The room became silent.
Laura's heart seemed to stop.
“What did you say?”
Margaret whispered, “Daniel…”
“He was investigating Elliot,” Daniel continued. “He found evidence that Elliot had been using the property records to manipulate ownership of several houses.”
Laura looked at the notebook.
“And my house?”
“Your house was the last one.”
“Why?”
“Because your father hid something inside it.”
Laura looked at the brass key.
“What does this open?”
Daniel looked at it.
His face changed.
“I don't know.”
Margaret whispered, “Yes, you do.”
Daniel turned toward her.
“You promised me you wouldn't tell her.”
“I can't keep lying.”
Laura stared between them.
Then her phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
One message.
Your father hid the truth under your kitchen floor.
Laura looked at the wooden box.
Then at Daniel.
Then at Margaret.
May you like
Someone had been waiting for her to find the key.
And now they knew she had it.
