Chapter 14 - Lily Was Gone
I had left Lily with my parents.
At least, I thought I had.
Then my father explained.
Michael called.
He said police needed Lily brought to the station for a recorded interview.
He knew the detective’s name.
He knew which building.
He knew enough details to sound legitimate.
My father allowed a trusted family driver to take Lily.
The driver never reached the station.
Police found the car abandoned two miles away.
The driver was unconscious but alive.
Lily was gone.
I could barely stand.
Detective Collins grabbed my shoulders.
“Daniel.”
“Look at me.”
I did.
“Victor wants something.”
“That means Lily is valuable to him alive.”
I hated the logic.
But I needed it.
My phone rang.
Victor.
I answered instantly.
“Where is she?”
“Safe.”
“If you hurt her—”
“I won’t.”
His voice shook.
“I’m not Evelyn.”
“You arranged the situation that killed your sister.”
Silence.
Then:
“Bring Anna’s drive.”
“Where?”
“I’ll send you coordinates.”
“Let me speak to Lily.”
A rustle.
Then her voice.
“Dad?”
I nearly collapsed.
“Lily.”
“I’m okay.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“No.”
Victor’s voice returned.
“One hour.”
The call ended.
Detective Collins immediately began tracing it.
I copied the hard drive.
Victor would receive one copy.
Police would keep the original.
Nobody objected when I insisted on going.
This time, staying behind was impossible.
The coordinates led to an abandoned boat repair warehouse beside Lake Rowan.
Police established a perimeter.
I entered carrying the drive.
Victor stood near the water.
Lily sat in a chair ten feet away.
She was not tied.
She looked frightened but unharmed.
“Dad.”
I moved toward her.
Victor raised a gun.
“Stop.”
I stopped.
“Let her go.”
“Give me the drive.”
“Take it.”
I held it out.
He did not approach.
“Slide it.”
I placed it on the floor and pushed.
The drive skidded across the concrete.
Victor picked it up.
Then Lily spoke.
“Uncle Victor?”
He glanced at her.
“My mom knew you were stealing.”
Victor’s face changed.
Lily continued.
“She said it on the recording.”
I realized she had overheard us discussing Anna’s video.
Victor looked toward me.
“What recording?”
I said nothing.
His panic increased.
“What recording, Daniel?”
Then police lights flashed outside.
Victor spun toward the windows.
Lily ran.
I lunged toward her.
May you like
A gunshot cracked through the warehouse.
---
