Chapter 8 - THE MAN AT THE AIRPORT
Victor Shaw was arrested before he reached the aircraft.
The police recovered two phones, a passport under another name, and a folder containing financial records linked to the Cross company. The folder also included payments to Peter Lask and several former security contractors.
The investigation widened.
Within days, prosecutors had enough evidence to charge Victor with conspiracy, attempted murder, evidence tampering, and financial fraud. Elliot was charged as an accomplice. Margaret provided a full statement about the vehicle transfer and her conversations with Victor.
The press descended on the estate.
Headlines called Julian's recovery a miracle. Others questioned why he had concealed his ability to walk. The board demanded an emergency meeting.
Julian refused to discuss the details publicly while the criminal case was active.
Elena returned to her small apartment for the first time in months. She packed her belongings, collected her father's photographs, and decided she would not return to the mansion.
Julian called that evening.
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Can we talk?”
“We already talked.”
“Not about what happens next.”
Elena looked around her apartment. It felt smaller than she remembered, but it was hers.
“I can't work for you anymore.”
“I understand.”
“I don't want another false reference. I don't want to be watched. I don't want someone deciding what I need to know.”
“You won't be.”
“And I need time.”
“You'll have it.”
She hesitated. “Why are you calling?”
“To tell you the company has offered to fund an independent foundation for families of employees who were threatened or harmed because of corporate misconduct. I want you to help design its support program. Not as my aide. As a paid consultant, with your own contract and authority.”
Elena was silent.
“Your father tried to protect people who couldn't protect themselves,” Julian continued. “I want his work to mean something.”
“That sounds like a way to keep me close.”
“It may be. But you can say no.”
She looked at her father's photograph on the shelf.
“I'll consider it.”
“That's all I ask.”
After the call, Elena opened the old notebook again. One page had been folded inward. She had missed it before.
At the bottom was a note in her father's handwriting:
The mirror is not the final proof. Ask Margaret about the red ledger.
May you like
Elena stared at the words.
The case was not finished.
