Chapter 8 - THE FACTORY CLOCK
The abandoned factory belonged to Callahan Industrial Group.
It had closed twelve years earlier after workers reported toxic chemical exposure.
Malcolm had personally supervised the shutdown.
Grant studied the photograph.
“I know this building.”
Nadia looked at him.
“Where is it?”
“Briar County.”
“That site was demolished.”
“No.”
Grant pointed toward the wall behind my mother.
“That logo was only used at Plant Four.”
“Plant Four still exists underground.”
Detective Ellis frowned.
“Underground?”
“The main building was removed.”
“The storage levels were sealed.”
I checked the digital clock in the photograph.
Five hours and forty-three minutes remained.
“We have to go now.”
Mara shook her head.
“We need a tactical team.”
“My mother does not have time for a committee.”
Grant looked at the detective.
“Prepare your team.”
“Emma and I are leaving.”
“You are both witnesses.”
“It’s my company property.”
“It is a kidnapping scene.”
Grant stepped closer.
“Then keep up.”
We left Lily with Nadia and two state police officers.
Lily refused to let me leave until I promised to return.
“Bring your mommy back,” she said.
“I will.”
As Grant and I reached the elevator, the hospital televisions changed channels.
Renata appeared on every screen.
She sat inside a television studio wearing a pale blue dress.
Her arm rested in a sling.
A bruise darkened her cheek.
She looked fragile.
Innocent.
Victimized.
A reporter leaned toward her.
“Ms. Cole, your fiancé claims you abused his daughter.”
Renata wiped away a tear.
“Grant is not well.”
“He has never recovered from Claire’s death.”
“He drinks.”
“He becomes angry.”
“He blames everyone around him.”
Grant stopped walking.
Renata continued.
“The nanny saw his weakness.”
“She manipulated Lily.”
“She attacked me and forced a terrified child to repeat terrible lies.”
The reporter nodded sympathetically.
“Are you afraid for Lily?”
“I am terrified.”
“I believe Grant and Emma may have taken her.”
My mouth fell open.
The screen showed a photograph of Lily entering the hospital in Grant’s arms.
The headline read:
CALLAHAN HEIRESS MISSING AFTER FAMILY DISPUTE.
Renata looked directly into the camera.
“Lily, if you can hear me, I love you.”
“You can still come home.”
Grant punched the elevator wall.
“She knows Lily is at the hospital.”
“She wants the public to believe we kidnapped her.”
My phone began ringing.
The caller identification showed my mother’s number.
I answered.
“Mom?”
Renata’s voice came through the speaker.
“Did you enjoy my interview?”
“Where is she?”
“Your mother is alive.”
“For now.”
“What do you want?”
“The yellow rabbit.”
“We don’t have it.”
“I know.”
“Lily does.”
I looked at Grant.
“What are you talking about?”
Renata laughed softly.
“Children hide things in obvious places.”
“Claire knew that.”
“The rabbit was never a toy.”
“It was a key.”
“To what?”
“You will understand when you reach the factory.”
The line went dead.
Grant’s phone rang next.
Malcolm’s name appeared on the screen.
Grant answered.
His uncle spoke calmly.
“You have been removed as chairman.”
“The police have a warrant for your arrest.”
“The company belongs to me now.”
“You murdered Claire.”
“You cannot prove that.”
“Lily remembers.”
“Children forget.”
Grant’s voice became cold.
“Not this time.”
Malcolm laughed.
“Then come to Plant Four.”
“Bring the girl.”
The call ended.
The elevator doors opened.
Six police officers stood in the lobby.
Their weapons were aimed at Grant.
May you like
“Grant Callahan,” one officer said.
“You are under arrest for the kidnapping of Lily Callahan.”
