Chapter 9 - THE HOUSE WHERE SECRETS WERE BURIED
The hunting lodge looked abandoned.
Snow covered the roof.
The windows were dark.
Pine trees surrounded the property like silent witnesses.
Valyrian arrived with Marco and investigators late that afternoon.
Alicia had begged him not to confront anyone without law enforcement.
For once, he listened.
Inside the lodge, everything smelled of dust and cold wood.
The furniture had been covered with white sheets.
An old photograph of Victor Darks hung above the fireplace.
Valyrian stared at it.
His father had taught him how to read contracts, negotiate difficult deals, and remain calm when other men lost control.
He had also taught him never to trust appearances.
Now that lesson felt cruelly appropriate.
Marco examined the study.
"Boss, there's a locked cabinet behind the bookshelf."
An investigator documented it before opening it under the search authorization.
Inside were old company records, handwritten letters, and several medical files.
One folder was marked:
PATIENT SEVEN.
Valyrian opened it with the investigator's permission.
Victor Darks.
His father's name.
The file described years of neurological treatment following a serious head injury.
There were photographs.
Progress reports.
Rehabilitation notes.
And a final transfer document dated only six weeks earlier.
Valyrian stared at the photograph.
Victor was alive.
Older.
Thinner.
But unmistakably alive.
"Where was he transferred?"
Marco examined the file.
"The destination is redacted."
Valyrian looked toward the investigators.
"Can you trace it?"
"We'll request the underlying records."
Then Marco found a second folder.
It contained correspondence between Victor and Alicia.
Valyrian froze.
His wife had been communicating with his father.
He opened the first letter.
Dear Alicia,
If you're reading this, you have found what my own son couldn't.
I am sorry for the burden my decisions placed on both of you.
Valyrian continued reading.
Victor explained that after discovering the financial conspiracy, he had attempted to stage his death to protect his family while cooperating secretly with investigators.
But the plan failed.
He was attacked, suffered a severe injury, and spent years recovering under false identities.
Caleum eventually gained control over his medical and financial arrangements.
Victor's access to outside communication was restricted.
The letter had been written during a brief period when he could communicate through a trusted nurse.
Valyrian turned the page.
I watched my son become the man I feared he would become. Not because he lacks goodness, but because he was raised to believe tenderness is weakness.
Valyrian swallowed.
You are the one person who ever made him gentler.
That is why Caleum needs you gone.
Valyrian lowered the letter.
For months, he'd believed Alicia was slowly pulling away from him.
In reality, she'd been carrying a secret that threatened everyone around her.
Marco found another envelope.
It was addressed to Valyrian.
Inside was a photograph taken at the estate.
Valyrian and Alicia on their wedding day.
Victor had written something on the back.
The only thing more dangerous than an enemy who hates you is a friend who profits when you stop trusting the person who loves you.
Valyrian stared at the photograph.
Then Marco's phone rang.
He listened.
His face changed.
"Boss, we located the clinic that received Patient Seven."
"Where?"
"Philadelphia."
Valyrian stood.
"Then let's go."
Marco raised his hand.
"There's something else."
Valyrian stopped.
"The medical facility reported that Victor Darks was discharged yesterday."
"Discharged to whom?"
Marco looked at him.
May you like
"Caleum Mercer."
And according to the vehicle records, Caleum was already driving toward Boston.
