Chapter 7 - The Dead Brother
Dominic listened to Caleb's recording twice.
Eight years ago, Marcus died in a boating accident on Lake Michigan.
At least that was the official story.
Caleb's voice continued.
"Marcus is moving company money through Black Harbor shell contracts. Arthur handles the paperwork. Somebody in security clears the routes. If Dominic finds out, they lose everything."
The recording ended with a sharp knock and Caleb whispering, "They're here."
Clare cried silently.
Dominic handed her the recorder.
"I'm sorry."
She looked at him. "Did you know?"
"No."
"Would your father have known?"
Dominic did not answer immediately.
His father, Lorenzo Vale, had believed family problems stayed inside the family.
That belief had covered many sins.
"Maybe," Dominic said.
A security alarm chirped upstairs.
Vincent checked his phone.
"Motion in the west stairwell."
They returned to the main floor.
The board members were still under guard.
Arthur was seated exactly where Dominic had left him.
But Ellie was gone.
Clare screamed her daughter's name.
Dominic's blood turned cold.
They found Ellie's latch toy on the stair landing.
Beside it lay one tiny pink sock.
Vincent swore and ordered every internal door locked.
"Nobody leaves!"
Clare grabbed Dominic's sleeve. "You said she would be safe."
He felt the accusation like a blade.
"I know."
Then a small voice came through the intercom speaker above them.
"Mommy?"
Clare spun.
"Ellie!"
The voice continued, frightened but clear.
"The silver man said we have to go downstairs."
Dominic looked toward the service elevator.
Its indicator was descending.
May you like
B2.
There was no B2 on the current estate plans.
