Chapter 6 - The Father Who Never Died
Elena couldn't speak.
Adrian watched the recording.
Thomas Marlowe smiled.
“You were always the one weakness Adrian Moretti couldn't eliminate.”
Elena whispered, “My father died.”
Adrian said nothing.
Thomas continued.
“I built the Crown because men like the Morettis believed violence made them kings. I discovered information was stronger.”
Elena stood abruptly.
“No.”
“Elena.”
“No!”
She walked away.
Adrian followed.
“My entire life is a lie.”
“Not your entire life.”
“My father is alive. You were alive. Luca was alive. Apparently death means nothing to any of you.”
Adrian couldn't argue with that.
She turned.
“Did you know?”
“No.”
“Swear.”
“On everything I have left.”
Elena believed him.
That almost made it worse.
Thomas contacted them that evening.
One location.
One exchange.
The microdrive for Daniel.
Elena insisted on going.
This time Adrian didn't argue.
“You're learning,” she said.
“No. I've accepted that arguing with you wastes valuable time.”
The exchange happened inside an abandoned courthouse.
Thomas stood beneath the judge's bench.
Elena saw her father for the first time in thirteen years.
He smiled.
“My beautiful girl.”
“Don't.”
His smile disappeared.
“I protected you.”
“You abandoned me.”
“I built something that could control dangerous men.”
“You became one.”
Thomas looked at Adrian.
“He has corrupted you.”
Elena shook her head.
“No. Loving someone isn't corruption.”
Adrian looked at her.
Thomas didn't.
He ordered Daniel brought forward.
Daniel was bruised but alive.
“Give me the drive.”
Elena held it up.
Adrian's team waited outside.
Federal investigators loyal to Daniel waited farther away.
Thomas didn't know both groups were listening.
Elena had already uploaded the entire drive.
The chip in her hand was empty.
She threw it.
Thomas caught it.
Daniel ran.
Gunfire erupted.
Adrian shielded Elena.
Federal agents entered.
Crown members scattered.
Thomas escaped.
Again.
But the Crown's secrets were now public.
Arrests began within hours.
Senator Hart surrendered.
Corrupt officials were exposed.
Daniel entered protective custody after apologizing to Elena.
“I did love you,” he said.
“I know.”
“I also knew you loved him.”
Elena looked toward Adrian.
“So did I.”
Daniel smiled sadly.
“That's why you ran.”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“Then at least one of us stopped lying.”
Adrian and Elena left together.
For the first time, the future seemed possible.
Until Marco called.
“Boss.”
“What?”
“We found Luca.”
“Where?”
A pause.
“Saint Gabriel Cemetery.”
Adrian looked at Elena.
Marco continued.
“He's standing beside your grave.”
“Alone?”
“No.”
Adrian's expression changed.
“Who's with him?”
May you like
Marco answered.
“Elena's father.”
