Chapter 14 - THE LAST TRAP
Evelyn ran toward the elevator.
The doors closed before she reached them.
Nathaniel called hospital security.
“All exits locked now!”
They checked the cameras.
A man wearing surgical scrubs entered the parking garage.
His face was hidden beneath a mask.
But the bandage on his shoulder was clearly visible.
Julian was alive.
He carried Lily’s stuffed rabbit beneath one arm.
Evelyn grabbed Nathaniel’s car keys.
“You are staying here,” he said.
“He has the last evidence.”
“He also knows we saw him.”
“He will destroy the rabbit.”
“Not before he learns what is inside.”
Nathaniel looked toward Lily.
“Stay with the officers.”
Lily reached for Evelyn.
“Mommy, bring Mr. Buttons back.”
Evelyn kissed her forehead.
“I will.”
They tracked Julian’s stolen vehicle to the Ashford family cemetery.
Rain fell across the stone angels.
Julian stood beside his father’s mausoleum.
The stuffed rabbit lay on top of a grave.
He had cut open its back seam.
A small audio recorder rested in his hand.
Evelyn and Nathaniel approached from opposite sides.
Julian laughed.
“I finally heard your father’s last words.”
Evelyn stopped several feet away.
“What did he say?”
“He said I was there.”
“He said he saw me near the car.”
“He said I cut the brakes.”
Julian crushed the recorder in his fist.
“Now no one else will hear it.”
Nathaniel raised his gun.
“Drop the pieces.”
Julian opened his hand.
The recorder fell into a puddle.
“You are too late.”
Evelyn looked at the rabbit.
Its remaining glass eye blinked with a tiny red light.
Lily’s toy contained a second recorder.
Her mother had hidden a backup device inside it.
Julian followed Evelyn’s gaze.
His face changed.
He grabbed the rabbit.
Nathaniel moved forward.
Julian aimed his gun.
“Stop.”
Evelyn raised both hands.
“You framed a six-year-old because you were afraid of a toy.”
“I framed her because people believe the worst about poor children.”
The words landed harder than a slap.
Julian smiled bitterly.
“They see worn shoes.”
“They see cheap clothes.”
“They see a mother working service jobs.”
“And they decide guilt before anyone asks a question.”
Evelyn stared at him.
“That is why you chose Lily.”
“She was easy.”
“No.”
Evelyn stepped closer.
“She was brave.”
“She told the truth while a ballroom full of adults lied.”
Julian’s hand trembled.
Sirens sounded beyond the cemetery gates.
He grabbed the rabbit and ran toward the river cliff.
Nathaniel chased him.
Julian reached the edge.
There was nowhere else to go.
He held the rabbit over the water.
“One step closer and I drop it.”
Evelyn stopped.
“Then drop it.”
Julian stared at her.
“You need this.”
“No.”
“I needed my daughter to know I believed her.”
“I did that.”
“I needed the world to see what you are.”
“You already showed them.”
Julian’s face twisted.
He threw the rabbit toward the river.
Evelyn lunged.
She caught one torn ear.
Nathaniel tackled Julian.
The three of them hit the wet ground.
Julian fought wildly.
He reached for Nathaniel’s weapon.
A shot exploded.
Everyone froze.
Julian looked down.
May you like
Blood spread across his side.
He collapsed beside his father’s grave.
