CHAPTER 5 – The Funeral That Exposed a Living Killer
Three days later, Emily stood at her father's grave with Daniel beside her.
For the first time in twenty-four years, someone had placed flowers there.
"I spent my whole life believing he was a monster," Daniel whispered.
Emily wiped away a tear.
"He died believing no one would ever know the truth."
Just then, a black luxury sedan rolled quietly into the cemetery.
An elderly man in an expensive suit stepped out, carrying a single white lily.
The moment he saw Daniel and Emily together, his face drained of color.
He turned and hurried back toward his car.
Daniel recognized him instantly.
"Wait... that's Richard Hale."
Emily frowned.
"The former Fire Commissioner?"
Daniel nodded slowly.
"He signed the original investigation that blamed your father."
Without thinking, they chased after him.
But before Richard could reach his car, he collapsed onto the pavement, clutching his chest.
As paramedics rushed to help, he grabbed Daniel's jacket with trembling hands.
His voice was barely audible.
"It... wasn't Victor..."
Daniel leaned closer.
"Who was it?"
Richard coughed blood.
"The man... behind everything... was never caught..."
He reached into his pocket and pressed an old brass key into Emily's hand.
"Locker... 317... Union Station..."
His breathing stopped.
The former commissioner died before saying another word.
Daniel stared at the brass key.
Emily slowly turned it over.
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Engraved on the back were four chilling words:
"Trust no one alive."
