Chapter 19 - WHAT RICHARD REED REALLY DID
Daniel could not take his eyes from the frozen image.
His father had been dead for six years.
For six years Daniel had remembered him as stern but honorable.
The founder of Reed Holdings.
The grandfather who adored Lily.
The man whose portrait still hung above Daniel’s office fireplace.
Now he was standing beside Elena’s car hours before her death.
Ethan whispered.
“He killed her?”
Rose shook her head.
“No.”
Everyone looked at her.
“You knew?”
“I knew Richard was in the garage.”
Daniel turned on her.
“You said nothing.”
“I didn’t know why until later.”
Owen laughed softly.
“Families are remarkable.”
“They can hide almost anything if everyone keeps one small secret.”
Daniel wanted to hit him.
Grant stepped between them.
“Explain the video.”
Rose approached the old monitor.
“Richard found out Owen had arranged for Mercer to disable Elena’s vehicle.”
“He went into the garage to undo it.”
Daniel stared.
“Undo it?”
Rose nodded.
“Richard called me the next morning.”
“He said the starter wire had been altered.”
“He repaired it.”
“Then he found something else.”
“What?”
“A cut in the brake line.”
Daniel’s stomach dropped.
“So the line was already cut.”
“Yes.”
“By whom?”
Rose looked at Owen.
Owen’s smile finally disappeared.
Rose continued.
“Richard told me he temporarily clamped the line.”
“He planned to confront Owen before Elena left.”
“But Elena left early.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
The temporary repair failed while she was driving.
Not because Richard tried to kill her.
Because he had tried to save her without warning her.
Daniel looked at Owen.
“You cut it.”
Owen said nothing.
Rose spoke.
“Paul Mercer disabled the starter.”
“Owen discovered Richard had repaired it.”
“So Owen came back.”
Grant looked at the time stamps.
“The camera stopped after Richard left.”
Rose nodded.
“Because Owen disabled the system.”
Owen finally laughed.
“You have no recording of me.”
“No.”
Rose reached into her coat.
“But Richard did.”
She removed a tiny cassette recorder.
Daniel stared.
“Where did you get that?”
“From your father.”
“The week before he died.”
Rose pressed play.
Richard Reed’s voice filled the underground chamber.
If anyone hears this, Owen Pierce is responsible for Elena’s death.
I confronted him after the crash.
He admitted he returned to the garage after I left.
He said Elena had become an unacceptable risk.
I should have gone to the police immediately.
I didn’t.
I was afraid he would expose Ethan’s theft and destroy Daniel’s company.
That cowardice cost Elena her life.
Daniel’s eyes filled.
His father’s voice continued.
Owen threatened Lily next.
I have spent two years gathering proof.
If I die before I can deliver it, Rose knows where the files are.
The recording ended.
Owen stared at Rose.
“You told me Richard destroyed that.”
Rose looked at him.
“I lied.”
For the first time, Owen looked defeated.
Grant moved forward and handcuffed him.
“Owen Pierce, you’re under arrest.”
Owen looked at Daniel.
“Your father protected Ethan.”
“Remember that before you turn him into a hero.”
Daniel looked at his brother.
Ethan lowered his head.
Daniel replied.
“I’m not turning anyone into a hero.”
“That’s the mistake this family has made for too long.”
Grant led Owen toward the tunnel entrance.
Daniel picked up Richard’s recorder.
His hands trembled.
Vanessa stood several feet away.
“What happens to me?”
Daniel looked at her.
“You lied.”
“Yes.”
“You helped Ethan steal from Lily.”
“Yes.”
“You helped Owen cover evidence.”
Vanessa nodded.
“Yes.”
“You locked Margaret behind a wall.”
Her eyes filled.
“Yes.”
Daniel’s voice remained steady.
“Then you answer for all of it.”
Vanessa wiped her face.
“I understand.”
As officers approached her, she looked toward Daniel one final time.
“I did love Lily.”
Daniel stared at her.
“Then tell the truth in court.”
Vanessa nodded.
For once, she did not argue.
When they returned to the runway, Lily ran into Daniel’s arms.
He lifted her.
Natalie embraced Rose.
Ethan stood alone near the jet.
Police approached him next.
Ethan looked at Daniel.
“I’m sorry.”
Daniel said nothing.
Ethan swallowed.
“I know that doesn’t fix anything.”
“No.”
“It doesn’t.”
“Will Lily ever see me again?”
Daniel looked at his daughter.
“That won’t be my decision tonight.”
Ethan nodded.
He held out his hands for the cuffs.
Daniel watched his brother being led away.
Then Lily touched Daniel’s cheek.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Can we go home?”
Daniel looked toward the darkness beyond the runway.
For the first time, he realized the mansion might never feel like home again.
“Yeah.”
May you like
He kissed her forehead.
“We’re going home.”
