Chapter 12 - THE LAST RECORDING

The camera struck the stairs and bounced onto the concrete floor. Elena got to it before anyone else. Its screen was cracked, but it still turned on.

The detective sent officers after Julian. Ethan stayed as Elena opened the newest file.

Noah had filmed from beneath the dessert table that afternoon, hours before the party. At first the recording showed nothing but shoes and a row of white tablecloths.

Then Julian’s voice sounded nearby.

“Give me the cufflink.”

A woman answered, “I thought you only wanted him to see it.”

“It has to land where they’ll find it.”

The woman stepped into view. Celia Marsh, Ethan’s longtime accountant.

Ethan watched her pass Julian the gold cufflink bearing his portrait. She had access to the family vault, including the belongings stored after his father’s death.

Julian tucked it into his palm. “Cole pushes the stand. Ethan runs to Noah. The chandelier does the rest.”

Celia whispered, “And the child?”

“He’ll be out of the way. Cole knows his mark.”

Elena stopped the recording. Across the room, Vivian covered her mouth.

Noah had filmed the plan without knowing what the words meant. Later, Julian must have recognized the camera in his backpack.

“There’s more,” Elena said.

She played the last few seconds. Celia had not walked away. She had stayed behind Julian, her face tight with fear.

“You said you had proof,” she told him. “Proof of what happened to your father. If you lie to me again, I’m taking the records to Ethan myself.”

“I won’t have to lie after tonight,” Julian said.

Ethan reached for the wall to steady himself. The story his brother had told Celia had drawn her in; the recording showed she knew exactly what the chandelier would do.

Grant’s voice came over the detective’s radio. Celia had been found in her office at the estate. She had tried to burn a stack of trust records in the fireplace. Officers had stopped her.

A second call followed. Julian’s car had been spotted heading back toward the main house.

“Why would he go back?” Ethan asked.

Vivian looked up. “The original safe key. The one your grandfather gave me. Noah has it.”

Ethan called the officer guarding his son.

No answer.

He called again as they ran for the cars.

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“Dad?” His voice was small. “Uncle Julian says Grandma sent him.”