Chapter 8 - The Car at the Side Gate
Investigators opened the black sedan parked outside.
Inside the trunk sat a department-issued evidence transport case.
Its seal had been replaced.
The original case number belonged to an active narcotics prosecution.
Mark was the assigned detective.
Inside should have been seized fentanyl, cash, and three firearms.
Instead, the case contained shredded paper and sandbags.
Mark looked at Charles.
Charles looked at no one.
Keene asked:
“Where is the original evidence?”
Mark answered:
“I don’t know.”
Vale held up a receipt found beneath the case.
A warehouse rental paid by Bennett Security Consulting.
Ross said:
“We have a warrant team en route.”
Charles laughed dismissively.
“You will find storage equipment.”
“Then you have nothing to worry about,” Keene replied.
Mark moved closer to his father.
“You told me the evidence was being protected.”
“It was.”
“Where?”
Charles lowered his voice.
“Not here.”
Ella watched the exchange.
Mark was beginning to understand that his father had not merely used him.
He had made him legally responsible.
Every altered log carried Mark’s credentials.
Every missing case named Mark as custodian.
Every message framed Charles as an advisor.
Mark as the actor.
Beatrice would have defended Charles.
Helen had protected him.
Mark had worshiped him.
Ella alone had stepped outside the family story.
That was why Charles feared her.
May you like
Not because she was weak.
Because she had stopped needing his approval.
