Chapter 13 - THE LAST WEEK OF RICHARD BLACKWELL|
Richard had disappeared from a locked room beneath the mansion without triggering a single alarm.
Ethan suspected Daniel.
Marcus suspected an inside job.
Claire suspected both.
They searched the estate and reviewed every camera recording. At 2:14 a.m., the medical room door opened. A man entered wearing a doctor's uniform. Four minutes later, he left pushing an empty wheelchair.
The camera never captured his face.
"Who has access to the medical staff?" Ethan asked.
Marcus checked the roster.
"Dr. Pierce, two nurses, and one private specialist."
"Find them."
The specialist's apartment was empty. His car had been abandoned near the river, and his phone had been destroyed.
Ethan turned to Vanessa.
"You said Daniel threatened you. Where does he keep his people?"
"I don't know."
"Try again."
Vanessa looked at Claire.
"He has a property outside the city. An old country club. Your father used it for private meetings."
Claire remembered the name.
"Blackwater Lodge."
Marcus checked the location.
"Forty miles north."
Ethan ordered the cars prepared.
Claire insisted on coming.
"You have Amelia to protect," he said.
"She has Lucy and your security team. I am not staying behind while Daniel takes another person from this family."
Ethan looked at her.
He knew better than to argue.
Before they left, Claire gave Lucy a small key.
"If anyone comes through the front door, take Amelia to the safe room."
Lucy nodded.
"I won't let them near her."
The convoy reached Blackwater Lodge just before midnight.
The building was abandoned, but lights glowed behind the upper windows. Ethan's men surrounded the property.
Inside, they found old photographs, empty medication bottles, and a medical bed.
Richard was there.
He was conscious, but barely.
Daniel stood beside him.
"Welcome," he said.
Ethan raised his weapon.
"Step away from my father."
Daniel smiled.
"Your father is dying. You should show some respect."
Richard opened his eyes.
"Ethan."
His voice was weak.
"Don't listen to him."
Daniel laughed.
"Still giving advice?"
Ethan approached.
"Who did this?"
Richard looked at Daniel.
"Your brother."
Daniel shrugged.
"He was going to die anyway."
Claire moved toward the medical bed.
"Where is the doctor?"
Daniel pointed toward a closed room.
"Sleeping."
Marcus's men secured the area.
Ethan leaned over his father.
"Tell me what happened."
Richard struggled to speak.
"The ledger. The original ledger. Your mother hid it before I could destroy it."
"Where?"
Richard looked toward Claire.
"She knows."
Claire shook her head.
"I don't."
Richard gripped her wrist.
"The wedding."
Ethan frowned.
"What wedding?"
Richard's breathing became uneven.
"Your first wedding. The church. Look beneath the altar."
Then the monitor began beeping rapidly.
Dr. Pierce rushed into the room.
"Move back!"
Richard's eyes remained fixed on Ethan.
"One more thing."
Ethan leaned closer.
May you like
Richard whispered:
"Daniel isn't your brother."
