Chapter 6 - THE BUILDING ROMAN FORGOT HE OWNED
Roman Hayes had acquired hundreds of properties over the years.
Hotels.
Warehouses.
Commercial buildings.
Private residences.
But one building had always troubled him.
The old Hayes Recovery Center near Lake Geneva.
His father had purchased it decades earlier.
After his death, Roman inherited the property.
Victor Bellamy later suggested leasing it to a medical services company.
Roman approved the arrangement.
He never visited.
Never questioned the reports.
Never examined the day-to-day operations.
Now he wondered how many people had suffered because he hadn't bothered to look.
Maeve watched his expression.
"Roman, what is it?"
He looked at her.
"My company owns the facility."
She stared.
"Are you saying your property was being used to hold patients?"
"I don't know yet."
His voice sounded rough.
"But we're going to find out."
He contacted investigators and provided the property records, lease agreements, and access information.
The authorities obtained search warrants.
Roman was instructed not to approach the facility during the operation.
He agreed.
Though Maeve could see how difficult it was for him.
They waited in a private office with Vincent and their attorneys.
Hours passed.
Maeve stared at her phone.
She thought about Rachel Mendoza.
The frightened young mother.
The family waiting for her.
The unanswered questions.
Then Roman spoke.
"Maeve."
She looked up.
"I'm sorry."
She frowned.
"For what?"
"For what happened to your career."
She shook her head.
"You didn't suspend my license."
"No."
He looked down.
"But I trusted Victor. And I didn't question the businesses he managed."
Maeve studied him.
"You're responsible for learning the truth now."
Roman nodded.
"I know."
She looked toward the window.
"Then do that."
For the first time in years, Roman felt the weight of someone else's expectations.
Not fear.
Not obedience.
Expectations.
Maeve expected him to do the right thing.
Even if it cost him.
And something about that mattered more than he wanted to admit.
At 4:16 p.m., Vincent's phone rang.
He answered.
Listened.
Then looked toward Roman.
"They're inside."
Roman stood.
"And?"
"Several patients have been located."
Maeve covered her mouth.
"Alive?"
Vincent nodded.
"Yes."
Tears filled her eyes.
"Thank God."
But the news wasn't entirely good.
Investigators found evidence of unlawful confinement, falsified medical records, and financial fraud.
Several staff members were detained.
Others cooperated.
Rachel Mendoza was among the rescued patients.
Maeve began crying.
For eight months, she'd wondered whether she had failed Rachel.
Now she knew Rachel was alive.
Then Vincent received another call.
His expression changed.
"Roman, there's something else."
Roman looked up.
"What?"
"They found a locked office."
"And?"
"Inside were files connected to Julian."
Roman stopped breathing.
His brother.
The man who died trying to expose the conspiracy.
Vincent continued.
"There are photographs."
"What photographs?"
Vincent hesitated.
"Julian meeting with Dr. Vance before the shooting."
Roman stared.
"Why would Julian meet him?"
"That's what investigators are trying to determine."
Then Maeve's phone vibrated.
An unknown number.
A message appeared.
You saved Rachel. But you still don't know why Julian died.
Maeve's blood ran cold.
Another message followed.
Ask Roman what happened to the little girl his brother tried to protect.
Maeve looked up slowly.
"Roman..."
He saw her expression.
"What?"
She showed him the phone.
His face went white.
For the first time since she'd met him, Roman Hayes looked genuinely terrified.
Maeve whispered:
"Who is the little girl?"
Roman stared at the message.
May you like
Then answered in a voice she barely recognized.
"My niece. Julian's daughter. She disappeared the night he was shot."
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