Chapter 10 - Thomas Bell’s Confession
Thomas waited in the library.
He knew Julian had discovered the truth.
He looked older than he had that morning.
“You knew Claire was alive.”
“Yes.”
“You let me search for four years.”
“Yes.”
“You raised my daughter under another name.”
“Yes.”
Julian’s voice shook.
“Why?”
“Because your family wanted her dead.”
“And you?”
“I wanted her alive.”
Thomas sat slowly.
“Claire was taken to a safe house after she discovered the charity accounts.”
“Who took her?”
“Vincent.”
Julian frowned.
“Then why did he say I ordered it?”
“Because Vincent needed you to believe someone had betrayed you.”
Thomas opened a drawer.
Inside was an old tape recorder.
“Your father left this.”
Julian pressed play.
His father’s voice filled the room.
“If Claire discovers the accounts, stop her.”
The recording ended.
Julian stared.
Thomas whispered,
“Your father planned the theft.”
Julian felt sick.
“He used the foundation to launder money.”
“Yes.”
“And Claire found out.”
“Yes.”
“Then why did she disappear?”
Thomas looked down.
“She became a witness.”
Julian’s voice cracked.
“Where is she now?”
Thomas did not answer.
Julian stepped toward him.
“Where?”
Thomas looked toward the window.
“At the place she chose.”
“Which is?”
Thomas whispered,
“Martha’s Vineyard.”
Julian’s eyes widened.
Before he could speak, the lights went out.
A gunshot struck the ceiling.
Thomas fell.
Julian caught him.
“Thomas!”
The old man gasped.
“They know.”
“Who?”
Thomas looked at Julian.
“Cassandra.”
May you like
Then he died.
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