Chapter 16 - Evan’s Betrayal
Evan’s rented office was empty.
His laptop was gone. His clothes were gone. The trash can was full of shredded paper.
Claire stood in the doorway with Agent Torres.
“He helped me,” Claire said.
Torres answered carefully. “People can help you and still want something.”
Claire called Evan.
Straight to voicemail.
She texted: WHERE ARE YOU?
No response.
At the hospital, Daniel survived surgery.
Eleanor was awake for longer periods, though still weak.
Claire sat beside her bed.
“Did you trust Evan?”
Eleanor’s eyes sharpened.
“No.”
Claire closed her eyes. “Of course.”
“He worked for Martin first.”
“What?”
“Years ago.”
Claire stood. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I tried… to tell you… everyone lied.”
“That is not an answer.”
Eleanor looked suddenly older.
“I was ashamed.”
Claire waited.
Eleanor whispered, “Your father came to me. He begged me to go to the FBI. I hesitated. I was afraid of scandal. Afraid of losing the company.”
Claire’s anger rose slowly.
“And he died.”
“Yes.”
“You chose the company.”
Eleanor began to cry.
“I did.”
Claire wanted to leave.
But Eleanor grabbed her hand.
“Evan found the old records ten years later. Martin paid him to bury them. Then Evan came to me last year asking for money to switch sides.”
“So he’s been selling truth to whoever pays.”
“Yes.”
Claire’s phone rang.
Evan.
She answered immediately.
“Where are you?”
“At the river.”
“Which river?”
“You know the old Whitmore boathouse?”
Claire did.
“Bring no one.”
“You stole the ledger.”
“I saved it.”
“From whom?”
“From all of you.”
Claire’s voice hardened. “What do you want?”
Evan took a breath.
“Five million dollars and a new identity.”
Claire almost laughed.
“For evidence of murder?”
“For evidence that could destroy Whitmore Holdings.”
May you like
Then his tone changed.
“And if you think Martin was the last person who wanted that ledger buried, you still don’t understand your family.”
