Chapter 3 - The Shadow in the ArchivesBy late afternoon, Oakwood was buzzing with activity that had nothing to do with aluminum cans. A fleet of unmarked medical vans parked three blocks away, while local real estate agents began quietly acquiring deeds under a shell corporation.
Samuel remained seated in his idling Maybach parked across from Clara's house, watching the front porch through tinted glass. He refused to leave, even when his phone buzzed incessantly with urgent messages from his board of directors demanding his presence for an emergency shareholder vote in New York.
At four o'clock, the front door creaked open. Emma stepped out, holding a small brown paper bag, looking cautiously toward Samuel's car.
Samuel stepped out of the vehicle immediately, moving slowly so as not to frighten her. He walked across the street, keeping his hands visible.
"Hey, Emma," he said softly, kneeling down to her eye level.
The little girl eyed him warily, clutching her bag. "Mom says you're a bad man who only cares about money."
Samuel swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat. "Your mom is right to be angry with me. But I want to help you guys. You shouldn't have to collect cans to pay for medicine."
Lily appeared behind her sister, peeking out from the doorframe. "Is Mom going to the hospital?" she asked quietly.
May you like
Before Samuel could answer, the front door flew open. Clara stood there, swaying dangerously, her face drained of all color. "Emma! Lily! Get inside right now!" she gasped, grabbing the doorframe for support before her knees buckled.
"Clara!" Samuel yelled, sprinting across the yard just as she collapsed onto the porch boards.
