Chapter 22 - THE DETECTIVE'S SECRET
Daniel refused to believe the photograph at first.
Harris had helped him investigate Victor, protected Emma, and brought officers to the courthouse. Yet the image showed him standing beside Claire on the night she died.
Daniel called him to a quiet diner.
When Harris arrived, Daniel placed the photograph on the table.
“Explain.”
Harris stared at it for a long time.
“I was investigating Robert’s financial crimes,” he finally said. “Claire came to me with evidence that someone had altered the twins’ records.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because my partner was involved. Every time Claire gave us information, it reached Victor before we could act.”
“Who was your partner?”
Harris looked down.
“Your uncle, Michael.”
Daniel’s anger sharpened. Michael had helped raise him after his mother died and had always presented himself as the only honest member of the family.
“What did he do to Claire?”
“I don’t know if he killed her. But he was the one who ordered the hospital footage erased.”
Evelyn leaned forward.
“I heard his voice that night.”
Harris went pale.
“You’re sure?”
“I remember him telling my grandmother that Claire would never expose the family.”
Harris admitted he had concealed the photograph because he feared Michael would destroy the investigation. But he insisted he had never harmed Claire.
Daniel stood.
“Everyone who claims to have protected my wife has been lying.”
Harris did not argue.
“I deserve your suspicion. But if you want proof, we need Michael’s original case files.”
That evening, Daniel and Evelyn went to Michael’s house while Harris obtained a warrant. They found a locked cabinet in his study.
Inside were bank statements, hospital documents, and a letter addressed to Margaret.
The letter contained a chilling sentence:
If Claire insists on bringing Evelyn home, both girls become liabilities.
Daniel’s hands began to shake.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway.
Michael appeared in the doorway.
“You shouldn’t have come here.”
Daniel confronted him. Michael struck first, punching Daniel across the jaw. Daniel stumbled into the desk, then fought back. The two men crashed into the cabinet, scattering papers across the floor.
Evelyn shouted for them to stop.
Michael shoved Daniel down and reached for the documents, but Harris entered with officers and ordered him to surrender.
Michael raised his hands slowly.
As he was led away, he looked at Daniel.
“You think arresting me will save your daughters?”
Daniel stared at him.
Michael smiled coldly.
“Ask Evelyn why Rebecca really died.”
May you like
Evelyn went completely still.
Then she whispered, “Rebecca didn’t die in an accident.”
