Chapter 17 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE THE CHILDREN|
Vanessa entered the church alone.
Ethan raised his weapon, but Claire stepped in front of him.
"Don't shoot."
Vanessa looked exhausted. Her hair was wet from the rain, and the expensive jewelry she had worn at the engagement celebration was gone.
"I didn't come to hurt anyone."
Ethan's expression remained cold.
"Put the gun down."
Vanessa placed it on the floor.
"Daniel knows about the church. He's coming."
"How do you know?"
"Because I told him I was bringing the children."
Claire stared.
"You did what?"
Vanessa raised both hands.
"I needed him to believe I was still loyal."
Ethan didn't lower his weapon.
"Why should we trust you?"
"You shouldn't."
That answer surprised him.
Vanessa continued.
"But I know where the research building is, and I know how to get inside."
Claire looked at her.
"Why help us now?"
Vanessa's face tightened.
"Because Daniel told me what he planned to do after he got the ledger. He was going to kill the children. He said they were no longer useful."
Ethan stepped closer.
"And you believed him?"
"I heard him give the order."
Claire's expression changed.
"Why didn't you stop him?"
Vanessa looked down.
"Because I was afraid."
Claire shook her head.
"So was I. Every day. But I didn't get to choose what happened to me."
Vanessa accepted the accusation.
"I know."
She handed Ethan a small drive.
"This contains the research files. The original patient records, the payments, and the names of everyone involved."
Ethan took it.
"Where did you get this?"
"Daniel's office."
"Why didn't you give it to the authorities?"
"Because the senator's people control the local police."
Claire Donovan's team arrived shortly afterward. They reviewed the drive and confirmed that it contained evidence of a criminal medical program, financial fraud, and multiple disappearances.
The research building was raided before midnight.
Inside, investigators found medical files, laboratory equipment, and records identifying dozens of children who had been used in illegal trials.
They also found a room containing photographs of Amelia and Noah.
On the wall was a list of future targets.
The names included Claire, Ethan, and Lucy.
A note beside Lucy's name read:
Remove the witness.
Ethan immediately called the mansion.
Lucy answered.
"Mr. Blackwell?"
"Where are you?"
"In the kitchen."
"Get to the safe room. Now."
A crash sounded through the phone.
Lucy screamed.
Then the call ended.
Ethan ran toward the exit.
Marcus blocked him.
"Sir, wait. We need a team."
"She's alone."
"Not anymore."
Marcus radioed the mansion security team.
No response.
He tried again.
Still nothing.
Vanessa looked at the phone.
"Daniel has people inside the estate."
Ethan turned toward her.
"How many?"
"Enough."
Claire held Noah and Amelia close.
"Then we go together."
Ethan shook his head.
"No. The children stay here with the agents."
He looked at Vanessa.
"You're coming with me."
Vanessa nodded.
Outside, sirens approached.
But before the convoy could leave, a message appeared on Ethan's phone.
A photograph showed Lucy tied to a chair in the mansion's dining room.
Daniel stood behind her.
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The caption read:
Bring me the ledger, or the maid dies.
