Chapter 5 - THE FATHER IN THE WALLS|
Ethan had spent his entire adult life trying not to become his father.
Richard Blackwell had ruled the family with a mixture of money, violence, and absolute control. He had taught Ethan that loyalty was purchased, weakness was punished, and love was a liability.
When Richard supposedly died, Ethan had felt grief and relief in equal measure.
Now his identification card had been found in a hidden room beneath the mansion.
"Show me," Ethan ordered.
Marcus led him downstairs.
Claire insisted on coming, though the doctor protested. Ethan finally agreed after she promised to remain beside him.
The second room was hidden behind a false wall. It contained a narrow bed, a refrigerator, medical supplies, and a desk covered with papers.
A framed photograph sat beside the lamp.
Richard Blackwell stood between two young boys. Ethan recognized himself and Daniel. The picture had been taken before their mother died.
He picked it up.
"Who lived here?"
Marcus examined the medication.
"Somebody receiving regular treatment. The prescriptions are recent."
Claire approached the desk.
A small notebook lay beneath a stack of papers. She opened it and immediately went pale.
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
"Your father wrote these."
The pages contained dates, names, and short notes. Several entries referred to Daniel. Others mentioned Vanessa.
One sentence appeared repeatedly.
The younger son must never find the original account.
Ethan read it twice.
"What account?"
Claire looked at him.
"The ledger."
He turned toward her.
"You said you hid it."
"I hid a copy. The original was never mine."
"Then where is it?"
Claire hesitated.
"Your mother knew."
Ethan closed the notebook.
"My mother died when I was a child."
"I know."
"Then stop talking in riddles."
Claire looked down.
"Your mother didn't die in the accident they told you about."
The room seemed to shrink.
Ethan stepped closer.
"Explain."
"She was investigating your father's business. She found evidence that he was financing an illegal operation through several legitimate companies. When she tried to leave, he arranged for her to disappear."
"You're saying my father killed my mother?"
"I'm saying he made sure nobody could find her."
Ethan looked toward the old photograph.
"Why would he keep her alive?"
"Because she knew where the ledger was."
Marcus interrupted.
"Sir, we have a problem."
He showed Ethan a security recording. A man had entered the estate through the underground garage twenty minutes earlier.
His face was partially hidden.
But his walk was familiar.
Ethan watched the footage.
"That's Daniel."
Marcus nodded.
"He's inside the house."
Ethan raised his weapon.
"Lock down every floor."
A scream echoed from upstairs.
Lucy.
Ethan ran.
He reached the servants' corridor and found Lucy backed against a wall. A man stood in front of her, wearing a dark coat.
Daniel turned.
"Hello, little brother."
Ethan aimed his weapon.
"Step away from her."
Daniel smiled.
"You've always been dramatic."
"Where is my father?"
"Close."
"Where?"
Daniel glanced toward the ceiling.
"Closer than you think."
A loud impact sounded above them.
The chandelier in the main hall shook.
Then the ceiling began to crack.
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And through the opening, Ethan saw a pair of shoes hanging upside down.
Someone was suspended in the hidden space above the hallway.
