Chapter 3 - The Man Who Hired Her
Nora had never met Michael Crane in person.
Hiring had been handled through calls, emails, and a house manager who said Mr. Crane worked overseas.
Now Dominic was telling her Michael Crane might be Daniel Bennett.
"You knew?"
"I suspected."
"For how long?"
"Three months."
Nora shoved the photo toward him.
"And you said nothing?"
"Because people who say the wrong thing around Adrian Vale sometimes disappear."
"Like my father?"
Dominic's jaw tightened.
"Maybe."
They returned to the hospital through a service entrance.
Adrian was awake.
Two armed guards stood outside his room.
Nora stepped in before Dominic could stop her.
Adrian looked pale beneath the bruises, but his eyes were sharp.
"You shouldn't be here."
"You knew my name."
"Yes."
"You had my father's wallet in your wall."
Something changed in his face.
"Who found it?"
"Answer me."
Adrian looked at Dominic.
"Leave us."
"No," Nora said.
Adrian almost smiled.
"You were always like him."
Her anger broke loose.
"Do not talk about him like you knew him."
"I did know him."
The room went still.
Adrian reached for the water beside his bed.
His hand shook.
"Your father saved my life once."
"Where is he?"
"I don't know."
"Lie."
"Nora -"
"He was at this hospital tonight."
Adrian's eyes snapped to hers.
That reaction was real.
"What?"
Dominic showed him the photo.
Adrian studied it, then whispered a curse.
"He's alive."
Nora's knees weakened.
"You thought he was dead?"
Adrian looked at her.
"I thought he died protecting evidence that could put half my father's organization in prison."
"Your father is dead."
"Yes."
"Then who is still protecting it?"
Adrian did not answer.
His phone vibrated on the bedside table.
Unknown number.
May you like
One message.
TELL NORA TO STOP LOOKING, OR THIS TIME HER FATHER WILL NOT WALK AWAY.
