CHAPTER 9: HER FATHER’S LAST RECORDING
Federal agents rushed to Cecilia’s safe location.
They arrived too late.
The doctors were unconscious, the guards had been restrained, and Cecilia was gone.
On her empty bed lay a black envelope.
Inside was an invitation to Hart International’s annual founders’ banquet.
Malcolm wanted Evelyn there the following night.
Roman wanted the banquet shut down.
Evelyn disagreed.
“Malcolm has survived for decades because he never personally touches the crime. We need him speaking.”
“And if he kills Mom?”
“He needs her as leverage.”
Naomi examined Vance’s financial records. Shortly before his death, he had transferred a file to a secure server.
The file contained an audio recording made by Charles Hart on the night he died.
His voice was weak but clear.
“Malcolm has been stealing from the company for fifteen years. Cecilia discovered the offshore accounts. He arranged her disappearance and threatened the children if I went to the police.”
There was a pause.
Then Charles continued.
“Adrian Vale is helping him. Adrian has become obsessed with Evelyn. Malcolm intends to use that obsession.”
Evelyn listened without moving.
Her father had known.
He had tried to protect her and failed.
The recording ended with the sound of someone entering the study.
Charles said one final sentence.
“You will never own my daughter.”
Then Malcolm’s voice answered.
“I don’t need to own her. I only need to control the man she trusts.”
The audio stopped.
It was evidence, but Naomi warned that Malcolm’s attorneys would challenge its authenticity.
“We still need a confession or the original ledger page.”
Evelyn looked at the banquet invitation.
“Then we’ll get both.”
That evening, Adrian contacted her from a hidden number.
His voice sounded raw and desperate.
“Malcolm betrayed me.”
“You betrayed everyone.”
“I can help you get your mother back.”
“Why would I trust you?”
“Because Malcolm is going to kill me whether I help you or not.”
Adrian proposed a meeting.
Roman insisted on accompanying her, but Adrian threatened to disappear if he saw anyone else.
Evelyn met him inside an abandoned train station.
His face was swollen. His clothes were dirty. He looked nothing like the polished man who had forced her to her knees.
He handed her a small brass key.
“Malcolm keeps insurance files beneath the banquet hall.”
“What files?”
“Original contracts. Recordings. The final ledger page.”
“Where is my mother?”
“Under the hall.”
Evelyn stepped closer.
“If this is another trap—”
“It is a trap,” Adrian interrupted. “The banquet is designed to kill all of you.”
A red laser appeared on Adrian’s chest.
His eyes widened.
He shoved Evelyn behind a pillar as a suppressed shot struck the wall.
When she looked again, Adrian was gone.
May you like
Only the brass key remained on the floor.
Beside it was a drop of blood.
