Chapter 12 - THE BROTHER
Daniel Reed arrived at the mansion at midnight, angry before he knew why he had been summoned.
“This better be important.”
Alexander met him in the study.
Evelyn sat by the fireplace.
Daniel stopped when he saw her bruised face and wrist brace.
“Mom.”
He crossed the room. “Jesus, are you okay?”
“I’ve been better.”
He kissed her forehead, then turned on Alexander.
“Why didn’t you call me sooner?”
“I called you six times.”
Daniel checked his phone, then swore.
He had been in the mountains with no service.
Marcus entered and shut the door.
Daniel frowned. “What is this?”
Alexander placed the access report on the table.
“Someone used Mom’s credentials from her apartment.”
Daniel read it.
“So?”
“You have a key.”
Daniel looked up slowly.
“You think I did this?”
“I think Nolan had help.”
“And your first guess is your own brother?”
“My first guess used to be Victoria was harmless.”
Daniel’s face hardened.
Evelyn stood despite the pain.
“Stop.”
Neither son spoke.
She looked at Daniel. “Did you give anyone access to my apartment?”
“No.”
“Did anyone borrow your key?”
Daniel started to say no.
Then stopped.
Alexander saw it.
“Who?”
Daniel rubbed his face.
“Victoria.”
The room went silent.
“When?” Alexander asked.
“Two months ago.”
“Why?”
“She said Mom left a family photo album there and wanted it for your birthday dinner.”
Evelyn closed her eyes.
Daniel looked sick. “I gave her my spare key for one afternoon.”
Marcus asked, “Did you get it back?”
Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out his key ring.
The spare was there.
Marcus took it, examined the cut marks, and said, “A copy can be made in five minutes.”
Daniel sat down heavily.
“I let her into Mom’s home.”
“You didn’t know,” Evelyn said.
“But I should’ve.”
Alexander looked at his brother and recognized his own guilt.
For months, Victoria had used their trust like unlocked doors.
Marcus’s radio crackled.
“Sir, movement at the east gate.”
“Who?”
A guard answered, “Nolan Pierce.”
Alexander stood.
“What does he want?”
“He says he’s here to surrender.”
Marcus checked the exterior camera.
Nolan stood alone beneath the gate light with both hands visible.
Then Marcus zoomed in.
Something dark was strapped beneath Nolan’s coat.
May you like
Marcus’s face changed.
“Everybody away from the windows. Now.”
