Chapter 11 - Richard’s Last Move
Richard disappeared before investigators could arrest him.
His passport had been flagged.
His accounts were monitored.
But for thirty-six hours, nobody knew where he was.
Then Claire received a message.
COME ALONE IF YOU WANT THE ORIGINAL RECORDING.
Underneath was an address.
Her father’s old office.
Claire immediately sent it to Rachel.
Daniel wanted police there first.
Claire agreed.
She had learned enough about walking into traps.
Officers surrounded the building.
Claire entered wearing a concealed microphone.
Richard was waiting behind Thomas’s old desk.
He looked exhausted.
“You brought police.”
Claire stopped.
“Yes.”
Richard laughed.
“At least you’re smarter than your father.”
Claire’s jaw tightened.
“Don’t talk about him.”
“He destroyed himself.”
“You left him to die.”
Richard’s expression flickered.
“I wasn’t there.”
“But you knew.”
Silence.
Claire stepped closer.
“You told Shaw not to call an ambulance.”
Richard looked at her microphone.
“You’re recording me.”
Claire didn’t answer.
Richard laughed again.
“Thomas always thought evidence would save him.”
“He was right.”
“No.”
Richard stood.
“Power saves people.”
Claire thought about the restaurant.
Vanessa holding the glass.
Everyone watching.
Nobody moving.
Then Daniel standing.
“No.”
Claire looked Richard directly in the eyes.
“People save people.”
Richard’s smile faded.
Police entered seconds later.
He didn’t resist.
May you like
As officers led him away, Claire remained beside her father’s old desk.
For the first time in almost a year, she felt like she could breathe.
