Chapter 8 - The Secret Adrian's Father Took to His Grave|
Three days after Daniel's discovery, Adrian unlocked his father's private study.
The room had remained untouched since Lorenzo Moretti died.
Dust covered the leather chairs.
Old legal books lined the walls.
A photograph of the two brothers stood beside a silver desk lamp.
Daniel was seventeen in the picture.
Adrian was twenty.
Both were laughing.
I stood near the doorway while Adrian examined the photograph.
“My father took this the morning before the sailboat accident.”
His voice was quiet.
“Daniel was supposed to leave for college that fall.”
I looked toward the picture.
“He looks happy.”
“He was.”
Adrian swallowed.
“He wanted to become an architect.”
I smiled sadly.
“Maybe he still enjoys drawing.”
Adrian looked up.
Then nodded.
“I'll ask him.”
We began sorting the study with the help of a forensic accountant and Adrian's attorney.
The investigation had expanded.
Richard Cross's company records were being examined.
Dr. Shaw's authority over Daniel was under review.
And several former employees had come forward after news of Daniel's discovery became public.
But one question remained unanswered.
Why had Lorenzo Moretti allowed his younger son to disappear?
Margaret believed he'd been frightened.
Richard claimed he had been protecting the family.
Adrian wanted something more than speculation.
He wanted evidence.
After two hours, the attorney opened a locked cabinet near the fireplace.
Inside were several folders marked with dates.
August 2004.
September 2004.
January 2005.
Adrian stared.
Then reached for the first.
The contents made his expression change.
Bank transfers.
Medical invoices.
Private security payments.
And a letter from Richard Cross requesting reimbursement for Daniel's “long-term protective placement.”
Adrian's jaw tightened.
“He charged my father for keeping Daniel hidden.”
The attorney examined the records.
“Large amounts. Paid through Moretti Holdings.”
I felt sick.
Adrian opened another folder.
Inside was a handwritten letter from Lorenzo.
It was addressed to Adrian.
But never mailed.
His fingers trembled as he unfolded it.
He read silently.
Then sat down heavily.
“Adrian?” I whispered.
He looked up.
His eyes were wet.
“My father knew.”
I swallowed.
“How much?”
He began reading aloud.
Adrian, there are things I should have told you years ago.
His voice cracked.
The afternoon Daniel disappeared, he had discovered evidence that Richard Cross was using our shipping operations to move stolen goods.
Adrian stopped.
I stared.
He continued.
Daniel confronted Richard near the marina. They argued. Daniel fell from the dock and struck his head before entering the water.
My stomach dropped.
Richard's men pulled him out. Instead of calling emergency services immediately, they took him to a private hospital under another name.
Adrian covered his face.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then he continued.
Richard told me Daniel could be charged with involvement in the smuggling operation. He claimed the only way to protect him was to keep him hidden until the investigation passed.
I felt cold.
I believed him.
Adrian's voice broke.
That was the worst mistake of my life.
The room became silent.
He continued.
By the time I realized Daniel had been deceived and isolated, Richard had obtained false records suggesting Daniel had died.
He threatened to expose the shipping arrangement and implicate both my sons if I interfered.
Adrian stared at the paper.
Then read the final paragraph.
I began gathering evidence. I intended to bring Daniel home.
But I became ill before I could finish.
If you ever read this, please understand that I loved both of you.
And please do what I was too frightened to do.
Bring your brother home.
Adrian lowered the letter.
For several minutes, he didn't move.
Then he began crying.
Not quietly.
Not politely.
The kind of crying that comes when grief and anger become too heavy to carry.
I stood beside him.
Unsure whether to touch his shoulder.
Finally, he looked up.
“My father knew Daniel was alive.”
I nodded.
“He did.”
“He let my mother grieve.”
His voice cracked.
“He let me grieve.”
I swallowed.
“He was afraid.”
Adrian shook his head.
“That doesn't make it right.”
“No.”
I sat beside him.
“But he left evidence because he wanted the truth found.”
Adrian stared at the letter.
Then whispered, “Too late.”
I looked toward Daniel's photograph.
“Not for your brother.”
He slowly lifted his head.
I continued.
“Daniel is still here.”
Adrian's eyes filled.
“He can still have a future.”
For a long moment, he looked at me.
Then nodded.
Before either of us could speak, Marco entered.
His expression was grim.
“Boss.”
Adrian looked up.
“What?”
“Dr. Leonard Shaw has been detained for questioning.”
Adrian stood.
“And Richard?”
Marco hesitated.
“Richard Cross left his house this morning.”
“Where is he?”
“We don't know.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
May you like
Then Marco added something worse.
“Vivienne is missing too.”
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