Chapter 8 - MARTIN VALE
Vale chose an abandoned parking structure downtown.
Nathan ignored the “come alone” instruction and let Owen follow two levels behind.
Vale stepped from behind a concrete pillar looking ten years older than Nathan remembered.
“You shouldn’t have brought security.”
“You shouldn’t have tried to steal my daughter.”
Vale flinched. “That wasn’t me.”
Nathan grabbed his coat. “Your name was used.”
“My name has been used for months.”
“By who?”
Vale looked toward the ramp.
“Your father made a deal with Malcolm Dane. Charles would get the merger and a permanent chairman’s seat. Malcolm would get access to Cole Meridian’s patents and distribution network.”
“And Lily?”
“She was the problem.”
Nathan’s grip tightened.
Vale continued. “Charles ordered me to watch Grace. I did. I’m not proud of it. But I refused when he wanted the child taken.”
Nathan let go.
“Taken where?”
“To a family overseas. Quiet adoption. No public record tying her to you.”
“He planned to sell my daughter?”
“He called it protection.”
“That’s what cowards call control.”
Vale nodded once.
“After Charles died, Malcolm found the old operation files. Victoria took over from there.”
“Why tell me now?”
“Because your father left something behind.”
Vale handed Nathan a brass key.
“Private safe at First Arizona Trust. Box 4417.”
Nathan stared at it.
“Why didn’t you give this to me after the funeral?”
“Because Charles told me to wait until someone tried to move the child.”
“He knew they would?”
“He knew the Danes better than you did.”
A car engine screamed from the upper ramp.
Vale’s eyes widened.
“Move!”
A black sedan tore around the corner.
Nathan jumped behind a pillar as the car slammed into Vale.
His body hit the concrete and rolled.
The sedan sped away.
Nathan dropped beside him.
Vale coughed blood.
“Box… four-four-one-seven…”
“I heard you.”
“No.” Vale gripped his sleeve. “The key isn’t enough.”
“What else?”
May you like
Vale whispered, “Ask for the dead man’s apology.”
Then his hand went limp.
