Chapter 14 - Fifteen Years of Lies
The explosion destroyed an empty loading bay.
It was a warning.
Marcus had known Adrian would find the warehouse.
He had wanted him there.
Fire alarms began screaming.
Adrian moved everyone toward the rail tunnel.
Then Marcus’s voice came through the warehouse speakers.
“Adrian.”
“You should know the truth before this ends.”
Adrian stopped.
Thomas urged him forward.
He remained where he was.
Marcus continued.
“Evelyn was never supposed to be in that SUV.”
Adrian’s face changed.
“The original plan was simple.”
“You were supposed to take her home.”
“The riverfront emergency was created to pull you away from the clinic.”
“But the first attack team was waiting for you near the expressway.”
Adrian understood.
“When I refused the expressway…”
“You ruined everything.”
Marcus laughed bitterly.
“So I changed the route.”
“I had to improvise.”
Adrian’s voice became deadly quiet.
“You killed her because you failed to kill me.”
“No.”
Marcus sounded almost offended.
“Evelyn killed herself the moment she started digging through my accounts.”
Thomas grabbed Adrian’s arm.
“Move.”
Adrian finally followed.
They escaped through the tunnel before the smoke reached them.
Outside, Adrian stood beneath the rain.
Fifteen years replayed through his mind.
Marcus at his wedding proposal dinner.
Marcus holding newborn Lily at the clinic.
Marcus embracing Adrian beside Evelyn’s grave.
Every memory had been poisoned.
Samuel approached.
“There’s something else.”
Adrian looked at him.
Samuel lowered his eyes.
“I knew Marcus was stealing.”
Adrian’s expression hardened.
“I knew six months before Evelyn died.”
Thomas cursed.
Samuel continued quickly.
“I didn’t know he planned murder.”
“But I knew about the accounts.”
“And you said nothing.”
“I was afraid.”
“You were paid.”
Samuel did not answer.
Adrian stepped closer.
“Your silence helped kill her.”
“I know.”
Samuel began crying.
“I know.”
Adrian wanted to destroy him.
Instead, Evelyn’s recorded voice returned to his mind.
Protect Lily.
That is how you win.
Adrian walked away.
Then his phone vibrated.
It was Grace.
May you like
Only two words appeared.
THEY’RE HERE.
