Chapter 13 - Edmund’s Last Drive
David’s confession shattered the final illusion Richard still held about his father’s death.
Edmund had threatened to expose the scheme.
Not because he developed a conscience.
Because Martin refused to increase his share.
David had been Edmund’s attorney.
He knew Edmund planned to meet federal investigators.
So David tampered with his medication.
Edmund became disoriented while driving.
His car left the road.
Martin had not ordered it.
Victoria had not ordered it.
David acted because he feared the entire network would collapse.
“I thought I was protecting everyone,” David said later during interrogation.
Richard stared through the glass.
That sentence again.
Protecting everyone.
It seemed every betrayal in his family had been disguised as protection.
David admitted helping Victoria obtain Caroline’s medical records.
But he denied killing Caroline.
“Victoria did that.”
“And Stephen?”
David lowered his head.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“He wanted out.”
“He threatened to testify.”
Richard felt no sympathy.
David had become exactly what Caroline feared.
A man who could rationalize anything if enough money was involved.
Federal prosecutors offered David no immunity.
Only consideration for cooperation.
He accepted.
He gave them banking passwords.
Property locations.
Names.
One location changed everything.
Martin owned an underground storage facility under a shell company.
Inside agents found original Hale family records.
There was also a box labeled M.
It contained photographs of Maya from birth to age eight.
Hundreds.
At school.
At parks.
At birthday parties.
Sleeping in Caroline’s arms.
Walking beside Richard.
Martin had watched her entire life.
Richard felt physically ill.
Then investigators found a notebook.
Martin had documented possible methods for removing Richard from Maya’s life.
Scandal.
Financial crimes.
Incapacity.
Accident.
And beside the final option was one word.
FUNERAL.
Richard closed the book.
Martin had considered killing him.
Maybe still did.
Victoria agreed to testify against Martin.
Not out of remorse.
She wanted a reduced sentence.
She admitted pushing Maya intentionally.
She claimed she had only intended to frighten her.
No one believed that distinction mattered.
She also admitted giving Caroline the medication that worsened her condition.
“I didn’t mean for her to die that night.”
Richard watched the recorded statement.
Victoria continued.
“I wanted her weak.”
“I wanted her to stop digging.”
“But she collapsed.”
“And you called an ambulance?”
Grant asked.
Victoria looked down.
“No.”
Richard left the room.
That was the moment he understood Caroline’s death completely.
Victoria could have saved her.
She chose not to.
Richard stood outside the courthouse later, cameras shouting questions.
He refused to answer.
He had one responsibility.
Maya.
But the danger had not ended.
Martin remained free.
And Martin was watching.
That evening Richard returned to the estate.
He found Maya drawing at the kitchen table.
“What is that?”
“A new house.”
“Why do we need a new house?”
“Because this one has too many bad rooms.”
Richard sat beside her.
He understood.
The staircase.
The study.
Caroline’s bedroom.
Every corner carried fear.
“Maybe we should find somewhere new.”
Maya smiled.
“Can it have a treehouse?”
“Yes.”
“And no giant stairs?”
Richard smiled sadly.
“No giant stairs.”
The lights suddenly went out.
Richard stood.
Emergency power failed to activate.
His phone lost signal.
Then the front gate exploded open.
Security alarms began screaming.
Richard grabbed Maya.
“Basement safe room.”
They ran.
Footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Not one person.
Several.
Richard locked the safe-room door.
Maya whispered, “Daddy?”
“I’m here.”
On the security monitor, a figure entered the foyer.
Martin Cross.
He looked directly into the camera.
Then smiled.
May you like
And held up a detonator.
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