Chapter 8 - The Smile on the Camera

Daniel opened the door but kept the new chain latched.

Marcus looked at it and laughed.

"Really?"

"Say what you came to say."

"My lawyer wants to know whether you're accepting mediation."

"Your lawyer can call mine."

Marcus glanced past Daniel.

"Where's my nephew?"

Daniel's hand tightened on the door.

"Don't ask about my son."

Marcus's smile disappeared.

"You think I threw that brick?"

"Did you?"

"No."

"Did you break into my basement?"

"No."

"Did you file the CPS report?"

Marcus leaned closer.

"Maybe you're not as good at protecting your family as you think you are."

Daniel surged forward, but the chain stopped the door.

Marcus stepped back, satisfied.

"There he is," he said. "Dad's favorite son. Always one bad day away from showing what he really is."

Emily appeared behind Daniel.

"Leave."

Marcus looked at her.

"You should ask him why Dad really left him the house."

Then he walked away.

Daniel shut the door.

Emily crossed her arms.

"Well?"

"Dad left me the house because I took care of him. Marcus moved to Chicago."

"That's the whole story?"

Daniel met her eyes.

"As far as I know."

She believed that answer.

For the first time in twenty-four hours, he had not hesitated.

They spent the afternoon searching the attic for any duplicate documents their father might have hidden. Dust coated old boxes. Noah sat below with Ruth, who had come over crying and apologizing for the spare key.

"I feel like such a fool," she said.

Emily softened slightly. "Then help us stop him."

Ruth nodded.

In the attic, Daniel opened boxes of Christmas ornaments, fishing gear, tax records, and old school trophies.

Nothing.

Then Emily noticed a small wooden train on a shelf.

"Wasn't that your dad's?"

Daniel smiled faintly. "He made it for Noah before he got sick."

Emily picked it up.

Something rattled inside.

Daniel turned the train over.

A wooden panel had been taped beneath the engine.

Under it was a folded envelope with Daniel's name written in Thomas Walker's shaky handwriting.

Daniel's fingers trembled as he opened it.

The first line read:

Daniel, if Marcus ever comes after the house, do not fight him until you check the west wall of my workshop.

Emily looked toward the attic window.

Their father's detached workshop stood at the far end of the backyard.

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