Chapter 8 - Roman’s Closest Adviser Betrayed Him, and I Found the Missing Evidence in Leo’s Favorite Jacket
Elias Ward had guarded Roman for twelve years.
He knew every entrance to the estate.
He knew my temporary room.
He knew Leo's favorite color.
That frightened me now.
Park discovered a forged authorization bearing Elias's credentials.
He denied signing it.
Roman wanted to believe him.
I understood that too.
Trust was harder to surrender than money.
While packing Leo's clothes, I found a stiff seam.
His green jacket had been repaired recently.
I had never repaired it.
Inside the lining was a tiny memory card.
Park examined it at the station.
The card contained security footage.
Elias entered Bright Harbor after midnight.
He carried a silver case.
Julian Mercer waited inside.
The men shook hands.
Then a woman in a cream coat appeared.
She looked directly into the camera.
Her face was familiar.
I had seen her at Leo's school fundraiser.
She introduced herself as Mrs. Bell.
The video showed Elias giving her cash.
Roman sat motionless through the playback.
When it ended, he called Elias.
No answer.
Park sent officers to his apartment.
The place was empty.
But Elias had left a letter.
It was addressed to me.
MEGAN, YOUR SON IS NOT THEIR TARGET.
YOU ARE.
I held the page with both hands.
I wanted to know why.
Then Park turned it over.
May you like
A second sentence had been written beneath.
ASK WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR MOTHER.
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