“Did he name anyone?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
Rebecca whispered:
“Elias Voss.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
The conspiracy had reached into his own family.
CHAPTER 26 — THE FATHER'S ARCHIVE
Rebecca agreed to meet Daniel the following morning.
She brought an old wooden box that had belonged to their father.
Inside were letters, photographs, financial documents, and a small tape recorder.
Daniel picked up a photograph.
It showed Thomas Hayes standing beside a younger Elias Voss.
On the back was a date from twenty-four years earlier.
Daniel looked at Rebecca.
“You knew about this?”
“I found it after Dad died. I was afraid to tell anyone.”
“Why?”
“Because someone came to the house after the funeral.”
Daniel looked up.
“Who?”
“A man claiming to be from the government. He asked for Dad's files.”
“Did you give them to him?”
“No.”
Rebecca opened another envelope.
Inside was a handwritten letter.
Daniel recognized his father's handwriting.
If you're reading this, the records were never recovered. Do not trust the official investigation. The people responsible have access to the same offices that are supposed to investigate them.
At the bottom was a final sentence.
Daniel, if you ever find this, remember that the man who appears to be protecting you may be the person who put you in danger.
Daniel read it twice.
Then he looked at the photograph again.
Elias Voss was smiling.
And his father was standing beside him.
CHAPTER 27 — THE FORMER MAYOR SPEAKS
Former Mayor Richard Palmer requested immunity in exchange for testimony.
He arrived at the federal building accompanied by his attorney.
Daniel sat across from him.
“Tell me about Elias Voss.”
Palmer looked uncomfortable.
“I never met him officially.”
“Then how did you receive instructions?”
“Through Adrian Cole.”
“What instructions?”
Palmer admitted that he had approved several confidential security contracts.
He claimed the contracts were presented as emergency public safety projects.
But the money had been transferred to private companies with no visible operations.
“Who received the money?”
“I don't know.”
Daniel placed the recovered financial records on the table.
“Your signature is on these documents.”
Palmer looked down.
“I was told the funds were being used for intelligence work.”
“Did you know citizens were being monitored?”
Palmer hesitated.
“Not initially.”
“When did you find out?”
“Three years ago.”
Daniel leaned forward.
“And you did nothing.”
Palmer looked away.
“I was told that if I interfered, my family would lose everything.”
Daniel closed the folder.
“Who told you that?”
Palmer finally answered.
“Deputy Governor Whitaker.”
CHAPTER 28 — WHITAKER'S COUNTERMOVE
Deputy Governor Whitaker responded to the investigation with a public statement.
He denied involvement in Operation Silent Harbor and accused Daniel of abusing his authority.
The following day, he announced an independent review of Daniel's conduct.
The review alleged that Daniel had improperly accessed confidential government information and used his position to target public officials.
Monica read the announcement aloud.
“They're trying to turn the investigation around.”
Daniel remained calm.
“Let them.”
“Sir, they're requesting your personnel records.”
“Give them the records that are legally required.”
“What about the private communications?”
“Those remain protected.”
Commander Brooks entered.
“There's another problem.”
“What?”
“The department has received an order to return all recovered terminal documents to state custody.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Who signed it?”
Brooks handed him the order.
The signature belonged to the state attorney general.
Daniel studied it.
“Interesting.”
“What's interesting?”
“The attorney general hasn't been informed that the evidence is part of an active federal investigation.”
Monica looked at him.
“So someone is using his signature?”
Daniel nodded.
“Or someone has access to his office.”
CHAPTER 29 — THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S WARNING
Daniel requested a private meeting with Attorney General Margaret Lawson.
She agreed to meet him in a secure government conference room.
When Daniel entered, she was already waiting.
“Deputy Director Hayes.”
“Attorney General.”
She gestured toward the chair.
“I've reviewed the allegations against Whitaker.”
“And?”
“I believe your evidence is credible.”