The truth inside the envelope
346 Words
The flashing police lights bathed the lakeside cottage in red and blue.
David Cole was led away in handcuffs, still wearing the same unsettling smile.
Oliver watched him disappear into the police car.
"He's hiding something," Oliver said quietly.
Marcus nodded. "And whatever it is, it's connected to that envelope."
Grace stepped closer.
"Open it now. You're safe—for the moment."
Oliver carefully broke the wax seal.
Inside were several documents, a flash drive, and a handwritten letter.
He unfolded the letter.
> Oliver,
If you're reading this, it means I've either disappeared or been killed.
For years I've managed secret financial records for the Lancaster family.
Millions of dollars have been disappearing through shell companies.
The orders never came from your grandfather.
They came from someone using the codename Phoenix.
I discovered Phoenix's true identity, and that's why they're hunting me.
The flash drive contains everything you need.
Trust no one.
— Ethan Brooks
The room fell silent.
Marcus inserted the flash drive into his encrypted laptop.
A folder opened.
Hundreds of financial records appeared on the screen.
One file stood out.
PROJECT PHOENIX – CONFIDENTIAL
Oliver clicked it.
A list of secret transactions filled the display.
Every payment had been approved by the same digital signature:
P. Lancaster
"There are three people with that initial," Marcus said. "Patrick... Philip... and Penelope."
Tracy frowned.
"But which one is Phoenix?"
Before anyone could answer, another file opened automatically.
A photograph appeared.
It showed Ethan Brooks meeting with someone in an underground parking garage.
The person's face was hidden beneath a hood.
But as the image zoomed in, a familiar necklace slipped into view.
Tracy's eyes widened.
"I've seen that necklace before."
Oliver turned to her.
"Where?"
She swallowed.
"It belongs to..."
A loud explosion rocked the cottage.
The windows shattered inward.
Smoke poured into the room.
Marcus grabbed the laptop.
"Move! Now!"
As they rushed outside, Tracy looked back.
The flash drive was still in Marcus's hand.
But the envelope...
Was gone.
Someone had slipped into the cottage during the explosion—and stolen it.
- Writer
