Chapter 10 - The Freight Car
Daniel stopped.
Police snipers were hidden beyond the depot windows, but Julian had positioned himself too close to Vanessa.
"You don't need a gun," Daniel said.
"I needed one seven months ago. I learned."
Vanessa turned sharply.
"What does that mean?"
Julian ignored her.
"The papers."
Daniel held up the folder.
"Why is Claire in a freight car?"
"Because Grayhaven became inconvenient."
Vanessa's face changed.
"You said she was at a private house."
Julian looked at her with contempt.
"You were never entitled to updates."
Daniel saw the first crack between them.
"Vanessa, he planned to kill me after you married into the family."
"Shut up," Julian said.
Daniel continued.
"My death certificate is dated one day after Claire's. Who do you think becomes the convenient suspect when I die?"
Vanessa stared at Julian.
"You said Daniel would be declared incompetent."
Julian smiled without warmth.
"Plans evolve."
Vanessa backed away.
That was enough.
Morris shouted from outside.
"POLICE! DROP THE WEAPON!"
Julian spun.
Daniel lunged.
The gun fired into the ceiling.
Vanessa screamed.
Officers flooded the depot.
Julian broke free and ran toward the tracks.
Daniel ignored him.
He sprinted to the freight car.
The lock was chained.
An officer cut it.
Daniel yanked the door open.
"Claire!"
The car was dark.
Empty.
A small speaker sat on the floor.
The knocking had been a recording.
Daniel stared.
Vanessa, handcuffed nearby, began laughing hysterically.
"He fooled all of us."
Morris grabbed her arm.
"Where is Claire?"
"I don't know!"
Daniel seized the speaker.
A label on the underside read:
PROPERTY OF CARTER HOUSE -- NURSERY AUDIO SYSTEM.
His blood froze.
The device came from his own home.
Then Noah called.
His voice was barely a whisper.
"Dad... someone is inside the safe house."
A crash sounded.
May you like
Lily screamed.
And the call went dead.
