Chapter 16
Richard reached for Daniel.
Bear grabbed Daniel’s coat.
The fabric tore.
Daniel climbed into the helicopter as it lifted away.
Richard looked down at me without emotion.
A federal agent stared at the departing aircraft.
Only someone with enormous influence could arrange that escape.
Jo traced the helicopter to a private security company owned by Caroline’s family.
Caroline had been released after claiming Richard coerced her.
She was not another victim.
She was financing him.
Luis apologized for disappearing.
He had taken the original drive to create encrypted copies.
Daniel captured him outside a computer shop.
“You didn’t betray us,” Bear said.
Luis looked at me.
“But someone did. Daniel knew my route.”
The answer came from Ruth.
She recognized the private security company’s emblem.
It matched one worn by a hospital employee who took Bear as an infant.
Caroline’s father had arranged the adoption for my father.
Their families had been connected for decades.
Caroline had not met Richard by chance.
She had been placed in his life to keep the old secret controlled.
Emily looked sick.
“Our whole family was built on lies.”
“No,” I told her. “The lies surrounded us. They didn’t create our love.”
Federal authorities issued national warrants for Richard, Daniel, and Caroline.
Then every television station interrupted its programming.
Richard appeared at a press conference.
He claimed I had suffered a breakdown and invented the conspiracy.
Beside him stood Caroline.
And behind them was a boy of sixteen.
Richard placed a hand on his shoulder.
“This is my son and rightful heir.”
Emily stared at her half brother.
The boy looked terrified.
May you like
Then he silently formed two words with his lips.
Help me.
