Chapter 18 - THE OFFER IN THE PARKING GARAGE
Philip chose the parking garage beneath Naomi's office for his last attempt to bargain.
He called from a blocked number and told me he had information about Melissa.
Naomi insisted we involve investigators and avoid meeting him alone.
I did exactly that.
Philip stood beside a concrete pillar under a flickering light, unaware that authorized observers were nearby.
He looked older than he had at the diner.
“Walter, I never wanted you hurt.”
“Then tell the truth.”
He said Bell was ill, increasingly desperate, and determined to eliminate anyone who could reopen the old property claims.
Brian had been useful because he knew my habits and could access my house.
Melissa had been useful because she understood documents, passwords, and appearances.
Philip insisted he had never expected them to humiliate me.
I almost laughed.
“You knew they were using me, and you're worried about a dinner joke?”
He offered a settlement.
If I signed away the trust's claims, a payment would clear Brian's debts, compensate me for the household expenses, and end the feud.
He gave me a figure large enough to astonish most people.
I thought of Helen's letter and Caroline's daughter's school schedule.
“No.”
Philip closed his eyes.
“You don't understand what that will cost.”
“I understand the cost of silence better now.”
He removed an envelope from his coat.
Inside was a photograph of Melissa sitting in a room without windows.
A newspaper lay open on her lap.
“She tried to leave,” he said.
“Bell won't let her.”
Before I could speak, Philip added, “And Brian has gone to find her.”
A loud bang echoed from the garage entrance.
Philip flinched and ran toward the stairwell.
Investigators moved in and detained him safely.
In his pocket they found a key card to a private office complex.
Naomi looked at the address and swore for the first time since I had known her.
It was the same brick building that appeared in Melissa's monthly charge history.
We had been looking at the place all along.
The monthly fee had not only protected documents.
May you like
It had maintained an access-controlled office where Bell's people could meet.
