Chapter 9: The Man They Buried
545 Words
Amara's heart stopped.
“Adrian's father is alive?”
Daniel nodded.
“But everyone believes he died three years ago.”
“He didn't.”
“Where is he?”
“I don't know.”
Daniel looked toward the hallway.
“They made everyone believe he was dead because it was easier than explaining where he had gone.”
“Who are they?”
Before Daniel could answer, a loud crash came from downstairs.
Daniel grabbed Amara's hand.
“This way.”
They hurried through a narrow corridor.
“Dad, what happened to Mom?”
Daniel stopped.
“She discovered the truth.”
“What truth?”
“She found financial records proving that someone had been stealing from Sterling Enterprises.”
“Victoria said that.”
Daniel shook his head.
“Victoria only knows part of it.”
“Then tell me the rest.”
Daniel looked at her.
“The money wasn't the real secret.”
“What was?”
“The money was being used to pay people.”
“For what?”
“To erase people.”
Amara's face went pale.
“Erase?”
“Records. Identities. Witnesses.”
A noise came from behind them.
Daniel opened a hidden door.
“Go.”
Amara stared at him.
“What?”
“Go through there.”
“I'm not leaving you.”
“You have to.”
Daniel pushed the photograph into her hand.
“Find Adrian.”
“What about you?”
“I'll slow them down.”
“Dad—”
He closed the door.
Amara stood frozen on the other side.
Then she heard footsteps approaching.
She ran.
---
Minutes later, Amara emerged into a quiet alley.
A black car stopped beside her.
The door opened.
Adrian stepped out.
“You're okay.”
Amara rushed toward him.
“He's alive.”
Adrian's expression changed.
“Daniel?”
“Yes.”
“Where is he?”
“He told me to leave.”
Adrian looked behind her.
“Where?”
“I don't know.”
“Amara…”
She handed him the photograph.
His face changed the moment he saw it.
“My father.”
“You knew him?”
“Of course.”
“Then look carefully.”
Adrian studied the photograph.
His father stood beside Isabella.
But someone had written a date on the back.
Three years after everyone believed he had died.
Adrian stared at it.
“This photograph was taken after his funeral.”
Amara nodded.
“Daniel said your father is alive.”
Adrian looked at her.
“My father is dead.”
“That's what everyone told you.”
He looked toward the dark building.
For the first time, doubt appeared in his eyes.
Then his phone rang.
A private number.
Adrian answered.
“Hello?”
A man's voice came through.
“Adrian.”
He froze.
“Who is this?”
The voice was calm.
“You've been asking the wrong questions.”
Adrian's face went pale.
“Dad?”
The call ended.
Amara stared at him.
“What did he say?”
Adrian slowly lowered the phone.
“He said my name.”
Then another message appeared.
Come to the Sterling estate tonight. Alone.
Adrian looked at Amara.
“This ends tonight.”
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD