"Then we end this."
Richard nodded.
"Agreed."
But none of them noticed the small red light on the security camera outside the kitchen window.
Someone was watching the house again.
CHAPTER 15 β A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAD
Three days later, Charles Bennett passed away peacefully in his sleep.
His daughter Susan called Emily early that morning.
Emily was devastated.
She had spoken to Charles only once, but his confession had changed the direction of the investigation.
Susan told her that her father had left a final letter.
He had instructed that it be delivered to Daniel Carter and Emily Carter if anything happened to him.
They met Susan at her father's home that afternoon.
She handed them a sealed envelope.
Daniel opened it.
The letter was short.
To Daniel and Emily,
I have spent many years convincing myself that silence was the safest choice.
I was wrong.
Your father, Daniel, was an honorable man. He trusted people who did not deserve his trust.
I helped Margaret create documents that concealed the truth about his ownership.
I also helped William avoid responsibility for what happened.
I cannot undo my actions.
But I can give you the information I should have provided decades ago.
The original trust agreement was not the only document William kept.
He also preserved a private financial ledger and a recording of a meeting that took place two weeks before Robert's death.
These materials were placed in a safety deposit box.
The box is registered under the name of a company that no longer exists.
The key was given to Susan.
I have asked her to deliver it to you.
I hope the truth finally brings peace to your family.
Charles Bennett.
Susan reached into her handbag.
She placed a small brass key on the table.
Daniel stared at it.
"Where is the box?"
Susan gave him a piece of paper.
"At the First National Bank in Philadelphia."
Richard looked at the address.
He recognized the bank.
It was where William had kept his personal financial records.
Daniel took the key.
For the first time, he felt that they were close to uncovering the entire truth.
But the letter contained one more sentence.
Written beneath the signature was a handwritten note.
BEFORE OPENING THE BOX, REMEMBER THAT THE RECORDING MAY CHANGE WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT YOUR FATHER'S LAST DAYS.
Daniel looked at Richard.
"What does that mean?"
Richard shook his head.
"I don't know."
Emily felt a chill.
"Then we should find out."
CHAPTER 16 β THE SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX
The following morning, Daniel, Emily, Richard, and Elizabeth Morgan visited the bank.
The manager examined the documents and verified their identities.
After several minutes, he escorted them into a secure room.
The brass key opened a small safety deposit box.
Inside were three items.
A black notebook.
A sealed envelope.
And a small digital recording device.
Richard picked up the notebook.
"This is William's handwriting."
Elizabeth examined the envelope.
It was addressed to Daniel.
Daniel opened it.
Inside was a letter.
My nephew,
If you are reading this, I am no longer alive to explain what happened.
I have carried a burden for many years.
I knew Robert's ownership transfer was wrong.
I knew Daniel was entitled to the shares.
I also knew Margaret had manipulated the documents.
I allowed it to happen because I was afraid of losing control of the company.
That decision destroyed my relationship with my brother-in-law and damaged the future of his son.
I cannot ask for forgiveness.
But I can tell you that Robert did not die believing his work would disappear.
He made arrangements to protect you.
The recording in this box contains the conversation that took place shortly before his death.
Listen carefully.
William.
Daniel looked at the recording device.
Elizabeth connected it to a laptop.
A man's voice filled the room.
Robert Carter.
"William, I have spoken with my attorney. The original agreement remains valid."
William answered:
"Robert, please. We can resolve this privately."
Robert sounded angry.
"You have already transferred money without authorization."
"I was protecting the company."
"You're protecting yourself."
A door opened in the background.
Then Margaret's voice appeared.
"Why are we still discussing this?"
Robert replied:
"Because you have no right to interfere."
Margaret laughed.
"You think you can leave everything to a twelve-year-old boy and expect us to accept it?"