Chapter 14: The Final Move My Father Made
I listened to the recording again.
And again.
My father’s voice sounded tired.
Not angry.
Not hateful.
Just disappointed.
That hurt more.
Because my father never hated people easily.
Even when they hurt him.
Especially then.
“He knew,” I whispered.
Mark stood by the window.
“Yes.””
“He knew you would betray him.””
“Yes.””
“And he still worked with you.””
Mark nodded.
“He thought I could help him reach Daniel.””
I looked at him.
“Did you?””
“No.””
“Why?””
His answer came immediately.
“Because I got scared.””
At least that was honest.
I sat down at the old desk.
The same desk where my father had uncovered a conspiracy.
The same desk where Mark had apparently helped destroy it.
“What did Daniel want?””
Mark looked at me.
“Your father’s evidence.””
“Why?””
“Because it could expose everyone.””
“Everyone?””
“Doctors. Executives. Suppliers. People with money.””
I looked at the notebook.
“And my father had proof.””
“Yes.””
“Where is it?””
Mark didn’t answer.
That was enough.
“You don’t know.””
“No.””
“Then why did everyone think you did?””
Mark looked away.
“Because Rachel told them.””
My stomach tightened.
“Rachel?””
“She thought I had it.””
“Did you?””
“No.””
“Then who does?””
Mark looked at me.
“I think your father hid it with someone he trusted.””
I almost laughed.
Trusted.
That word had become meaningless.
“Who?””
Mark hesitated.
Then:
“You.””
I stared.
“What?””
“He left something for you.””
I shook my head.
“No.””
“Yes.””
“Why wouldn’t I know?””
“Because he didn’t want you to know.””
“That makes no sense.””
“It does if he thought you were in danger.””
My phone rang.
Detective Harris.
I answered.
“We found something,” he said.
“What?””
“The notebook has a hidden section.””
My heart started racing.
“What do you mean?””
“Your father altered the binding.””
I looked at the blue notebook.
“What’s inside?””
“We’re opening it now.””
A pause.
Then:
“Mrs. Carter…”
“What?””
“There’s a letter.””
“From my father?””
“Yes.””
My hands started shaking.
“Read it.””
Detective Harris hesitated.
“It’s addressed to you.””
I closed my eyes.
“Read it.””
His voice became quieter.
“‘Lily, if you are hearing this, then I failed to protect you from the truth.’”
I covered my mouth.
“Continue.””
“‘I spent years trying to remove dangerous people from a system that protects them.’”
A pause.
“‘But the most dangerous person was never the one holding the weapon.’”
My breathing stopped.
“What does that mean?””
Detective Harris continued.
“‘The most dangerous person was the one who could convince everyone they were innocent.’”
I looked at Mark.
He looked terrified.
“Is there a name?”” I asked.
Silence.
“Detective?””
“There’s another page.””
“What does it say?””
He didn’t answer immediately.
Then:
“‘The person closest to Lily is the person I fear most.’”
My heart pounded.
“Who?””
Detective Harris exhaled.
“The next line has a name.””
I waited.
“Rachel Carter.””
The world went quiet.
I looked at Mark.
For the first time, we were afraid of the same person.
My phone buzzed.
A message.
From Rachel.
Only three words.
*You found it.*
May you like
Then another message arrived.
*Now you know why I did it.*
