Chapter 9 - THE DEAD MAN’S FILE
Emma was discharged under police protection.
She refused to return to the Hawthorne mansion.
Detective Ruiz arranged a secure apartment near the district attorney’s office.
Ethan stayed at a hotel.
Emma did not invite him to join her.
Two days after Vanessa disappeared, an unmarked envelope arrived at the apartment.
There was no return address.
Inside was a key card from the Grand Vale Hotel and a handwritten message.
ROOM 407.
COME ALONE IF YOU WANT THE REST OF YOUR FATHER’S FILE.
Emma immediately called Ruiz.
The detective warned her not to respond.
They arranged surveillance around the hotel.
At eight that evening, Emma entered Room 407 wearing a hidden microphone.
The room was empty.
A metal case sat on the bed.
Emma approached it slowly.
Inside were copies of prison medical records belonging to Owen Lawson.
The documents showed that her father had repeatedly complained of chest pain.
A prison doctor ordered emergency treatment.
The transfer was canceled by an outside attorney.
The attorney’s name was Charles Mercer.
Emma turned the page.
A second report stated that Owen received medication six hours before his death.
The medication was not prescribed to him.
Emma’s vision blurred.
Her father had not died naturally.
Someone had made certain he never reached a courtroom.
The bathroom door opened.
Charles Mercer stepped into the room.
Emma froze.
“You should not have involved the police,” he said.
“They know I’m here.”
“I assumed they would.”
“Why give me these records?”
“Because Eleanor has decided I am expendable.”
Charles poured himself a drink.
For decades, he had protected the Hawthornes.
He forged audits, paid witnesses, and buried evidence.
Now Eleanor blamed him for the failed cover-up.
“She ordered my brother’s death,” Charles said.
“Claire’s husband?”
“He was going to help Owen testify.”
“Did Eleanor order my father’s death too?”
Charles looked into his glass.
“Yes.”
Emma’s hand moved protectively toward her belly.
“Where is Vanessa?”
“She contacted me yesterday.”
“Where is she?”
“She believes the flash drive contains a recording made by her father.”
“What recording?”
Charles stared at Emma.
“A confession.”
The hotel door burst open.
Detective Ruiz entered with two officers.
Charles did not resist.
As they placed him in handcuffs, he looked toward Emma.
“Vanessa will come for you.”
“She already tried.”
“No.”
May you like
Charles shook his head.
“She will come for the baby.”
