Chapter 8 - THE TRUTH BURIED WITH THE DEAD
Anthony raised his weapon.
“Margaret.”
She smiled.
“You look terrible.”
“You were supposed to be in California.”
“I was supposed to be many things.”
Sophie moved closer to Evan.
Raymond laughed.
“Family reunions are beautiful, aren't they?”
Anthony ignored him.
“Why are you here?”
Margaret looked at the memory card in Anthony's hand.
“Because Catherine left something that belongs to me.”
Anthony's face hardened.
“You used my wife.”
Margaret's smile disappeared.
“Your wife used everyone.”
For a moment, Anthony couldn't speak.
Margaret stepped forward.
“Catherine discovered the operation, yes. But she also discovered that Michael Mallory had copied the original records. She wanted to expose everything.”
“Then why did you help Kessler?”
“Because he offered me something your wife never could.”
“What?”
“Power.”
Raymond placed a hand on her shoulder.
Anthony finally understood.
Margaret had not been a victim.
She had been a partner.
“Catherine trusted you,” he said.
Margaret laughed bitterly.
“She trusted everyone. That was her greatest weakness.”
Sophie looked at her.
“Did you have my father killed?”
Margaret turned.
“Your father made a choice.”
“He tried to expose you.”
“He tried to destroy a business that had made powerful people very wealthy.”
“You killed him.”
Margaret said nothing.
That was enough.
Sophie looked down at her brother.
Evan was crying.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered.
Sophie untied his wrists.
“It's okay.”
“No, it's not.”
He swallowed.
“I didn't just lose the money. I found the original files. That's why they came after me.”
Anthony looked at him.
“Where are they?”
Evan glanced toward Margaret.
“She doesn't know.”
Raymond's expression changed.
“What do you mean?”
Evan laughed weakly.
“My father hid them before he died. I found a message in his old laptop.”
Margaret took a step forward.
“Where?”
Evan looked at Sophie.
“Dad left them with someone.”
“Who?”
Evan hesitated.
Then he said, “Catherine.”
Anthony felt his heart stop.
“That's impossible.”
“She knew where they were. She told Mom.”
Margaret's composure cracked.
“Your mother is lying.”
Evelyn's voice came from the entrance.
“No, Margaret. I'm not.”
She stood beside Marcus, holding a small leather folder.
Sophie turned.
“Mom?”
Evelyn walked toward them.
“Your father gave me the evidence. Catherine helped me hide it.”
Anthony stared at the folder.
“Where was it?”
Evelyn opened it.
Inside were documents, photographs, bank records, and a sealed envelope.
The envelope carried Catherine's handwriting.
Anthony reached for it.
Margaret suddenly raised her weapon.
“Put it down!”
Marcus moved.
A gunshot exploded.
The bullet struck the metal support behind him.
Sophie screamed.
Anthony pulled her behind a concrete pillar.
Raymond grabbed the folder.
But Evan lunged forward, knocking him off balance.
The documents scattered.
Victor rushed toward the exit.
Caleb appeared behind him.
“Going somewhere?”
Anthony turned.
His lieutenant stood holding a weapon.
For a moment, the entire warehouse froze.
Caleb looked at Anthony.
“I told you your brother was lying.”
Anthony raised his gun.
“Then explain why Frank named you.”
Caleb's face changed.
“Because he knew I was the only one who could get you out alive.”
Margaret laughed.
“Enough!”
She pointed her gun at Sophie.
“Give me the envelope, Anthony.”
He looked at Sophie.
Then at Catherine's handwriting.
Then at the woman who had helped destroy his life.
And he made a decision.
He handed over the envelope.
Margaret smiled.
But she had overlooked one thing.
The folder was not the only copy.
Sophie had already taken a photograph of the documents.
And she had sent it to someone.
May you like
Someone Margaret never expected.
---
