Chapter 8 - BLACKWOOD LAKE
Lucas, Daniel, Vanessa, and Sophia drove toward Blackwood Lake in an unmarked vehicle.
Margaret remained at the mansion to coordinate with the police.
Rain began falling as darkness covered the road.
Sophia sat in the back seat, pressing a bandage against her shoulder.
She explained that Richard’s illegal property empire began with forged guardianship documents.
He targeted children who stood to inherit valuable land.
Some were placed with families connected to him.
Others disappeared into private institutions.
Emily discovered the pattern when she reviewed a foundation grant to one of those institutions.
Lily’s twin was likely his most valuable stolen child.
Vanessa stared through the window.
“If my mother was alive, why would Richard tell me she died?”
“Because Eleanor helped him,” Sophia answered.
“She chose him over us.”
Vanessa shook her head.
“You do not know that.”
“I watched her visit the house where Richard held me.”
Vanessa became silent.
They stopped a mile from the estate.
Police tactical units waited on an access road.
Lucas refused to remain behind.
The commander warned him that Richard might use Lily as leverage.
“He already is.”
Lucas examined an old map of the property.
A drainage tunnel ran from the forest to the basement.
Sophia remembered using it as a child when their mother worked at the estate.
Lucas and Daniel entered through the tunnel.
Vanessa insisted on joining them.
“If Eleanor sees me, she may hesitate.”
Sophia gave her a grim look.
“Or she may shoot you first.”
Inside the tunnel, the smell of lake water and rust filled the darkness.
They reached a metal door beneath the estate.
Voices sounded on the other side.
Richard spoke first.
“The wedding should have solved everything.”
Eleanor answered.
“You underestimated the child.”
Then Lily’s voice trembled.
“My daddy is coming.”
Richard laughed.
“Your father spent years believing every lie I told him.”
“He believed your sister was dead.”
“He believed your mother’s crash was an accident.”
“He even believed Vanessa loved him.”
Vanessa flinched.
Lucas placed a hand against the door.
Richard continued.
“Lucas Bennett has always seen only what made his life easier.”
May you like
Lily answered through her tears.
“He saw me today.”
