Chapter 6 - The Confession in the DarkTwo hours later, the glittering estate was transformed into a crime scene. Federal investigators dusted surfaces for chemical residues, while police escorted the last of the bewildered guests off the premises.
Graham sat alone in his private study, staring out the window at the dark, restless waters of Lake Michigan.
The door opened softly, and Marcus stepped inside, closing it behind him.
“The federal team has secured all digital devices from her suite,” Marcus reported, laying a thick file folder on the desk. “They found encrypted communications between Vanessa and your primary corporate rival, David Sterling. He was financing her lifestyle in exchange for insider blueprints of your next-generation encryption software.”
Graham didn't turn around. “Sterling. I should have known. He tried to buy us out two years ago and failed.”
“He figured if he couldn't buy the company, he’d inherit it through a grieving widow,” Marcus said grimly. He paused, looking at Graham with a mixture of concern and relief. “How are you holding up, boss? The medical team checked your blood levels an hour ago. They said the thallium concentration is dropping now that you’ve stopped ingesting it, but it’s going to take months of chelation therapy to clear your system completely.”
“I’ll manage,” Graham said quietly. He touched his left ear. The persistent, maddening mechanical hum that had plagued him for four months was entirely gone. Silence had never felt so sweet. “More importantly... did Nora and Lily make it out?”
“Safely on a private jet to Vermont,” Marcus confirmed with a small smile. “My team met them at Midway Airport. They’re secure, protected, and well-provided for. The child won’t ever have to worry about a thing.”
Graham let out a long breath he felt like he’d been holding for months. “Good. If it wasn't for that little girl... I wouldn't even be here right now.”
“Speaking of which,” Marcus added, reaching into his pocket and placing a small, battered object on the mahogany desk. “Nora asked me to give this to you before they left. She said Lily insisted you keep it.”
Graham looked down.
May you like
It was the stuffed rabbit. The one missing an eye, clutched so desperately by a four-year-old girl in a hallway filled with monsters.
Graham picked it up, running his thumb over its worn fabric. A rare, genuine smile touched his lips.
