Chapter 11 - Arthur’s Missing Hour
The second attempt proved Malcolm had not worked alone.
Elias removed the IV immediately.
Gideon returned to medical observation.
Every person who had approached him during the previous six hours was questioned.
One name was missing from the logs.
Dominic.
Gideon's brother had disappeared.
Again.
Arthur wanted to believe there was an explanation.
Gideon said nothing.
Norah searched Dominic’s room.
She found a burner phone.
Messages connected him to Malcolm.
But they didn't read like partnership.
They read like threats.
WE HAVE HER.
DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD.
Norah scrolled.
A photograph appeared.
A woman.
Thirty years old.
Dark hair.
Pregnant.
“Who is she?”
Gideon stared.
“I don't know.”
Arthur did.
“Dominic’s wife.”
Nobody knew Dominic was married.
Her name was Sofia.
Malcolm had held her for months.
Dominic had infiltrated the conspiracy to keep her alive.
That explained the pharmacy.
The secrecy.
His second disappearance.
But not the IV.
Security found Dominic’s location through the burner phone.
An abandoned house near the river.
Gideon insisted on going.
Norah was tired of arguing.
She went too.
They found Sofia alive.
Dominic was beside her.
So was Dr. Mercer.
Mercer had been treating Sofia after Malcolm threatened her pregnancy.
“I didn't inject Gideon,” Dominic said.
Arthur believed him.
Norah wasn't sure.
Then Sofia spoke.
“Malcolm has another person.”
“Who?”
“I never saw his face.”
“Then what do you know?”
“He called Malcolm Father.”
Everyone looked at Arthur.
Arthur's expression turned to ice.
“I have no brother.”
Sofia shook her head.
“Not a son.”
She swallowed.
“A priest.”
Gideon understood first.
The estate chapel had a resident priest who had served the Wolf family for decades.
Father Gabriel.
He had blessed Gideon’s father.
Buried Elaine.
Presided over Malcolm’s fake funeral.
He also visited Gideon every evening during his illness.
Always alone.
They raced back to the estate.
Father Gabriel’s room was empty.
On his desk lay a syringe.
And a handwritten note.
You saved his body, Norah.
Now see whether you can save his soul.
Behind them, the chapel bell rang once.
Then Gideon's private phone received a photograph.
Father Gabriel was standing inside Norah’s apartment.
May you like
Beside him was Norah’s grandmother’s old wooden box.
And the lid was open.
