Chapter 9 - The Truth About Claire’s Father
Daniel Donovan had aged twenty years in a single night.
That was Claire's first thought.
His hair was gray.
A scar crossed his jaw.
He leaned on a cane.
But his eyes were the same eyes from her childhood photographs.
“Claire.”
She couldn't move.
Daniel dropped the cane.
Claire ran into his arms.
Neither spoke.
There were no words large enough for twenty years.
Adrian watched from the driveway.
Daniel finally looked over Claire's shoulder.
“Ghost.”
Adrian's throat tightened.
“Shepherd.”
Daniel laughed.
Then cried.
Adrian rolled forward.
The two men clasped hands.
“You're supposed to be dead,” Adrian said.
“So are you.”
“Apparently we're both disappointing.”
Inside, Daniel told them everything.
Keene had kept him prisoner for nine years.
After escaping, Daniel discovered Claire's life was monitored.
Every attempt to approach her triggered surveillance.
So he stayed away.
“I watched your graduation from across the street.”
Claire cried.
“You were there?”
“Yes.”
“My wedding?”
Daniel's face changed.
Claire's marriage had ended three years earlier.
“Yes.”
“You could have come to me.”
“And put a bullet through your window?”
She understood.
She hated understanding.
Daniel then revealed why Keene was desperate.
Evidence of his entire criminal network existed on the implant.
If released, it would destroy dozens of corrupt officials and businesses.
Adrian asked, “Why put it in me?”
“I didn't.”
Daniel looked troubled.
“Keene did.”
“Then why?”
“Because he couldn't decrypt the data. He believed your nervous-system signatures were part of my encryption.”
Adrian stared.
“You used my biometrics?”
“Years ago. Without telling you.”
Adrian was angry.
Daniel accepted it.
“I was trying to keep evidence alive.”
“You nearly got Claire killed.”
“I know.”
Claire intervened.
“We can fight later.”
Daniel looked at her.
“You sound like your mother.”
Claire's smile disappeared.
“Mom died four years ago.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
He had known.
But hearing Claire say it destroyed him.
“I should have been there.”
Claire took his hand.
“You're here now.”
For several hours, they planned.
The implant needed surgical removal.
Claire insisted Adrian return to the hospital.
Adrian resisted.
Daniel laughed.
“She always this bossy?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Adrian looked at Claire.
Something warm passed between them.
Daniel noticed.
He said nothing.
That evening, Marco discovered a tracking signal.
Someone had followed them.
Adrian ordered everyone out.
Too late.
Vehicles surrounded the farmhouse.
Daniel opened a hidden weapons cabinet.
Claire stared.
“You have an arsenal?”
Daniel shrugged.
“Retirement hobby.”
Gunfire struck the windows.
Adrian positioned himself beside the doorway.
Claire helped Daniel.
They escaped through a cellar tunnel.
At the end, Marco had vehicles waiting.
They drove toward New York.
Halfway there, Daniel's phone rang.
He answered.
His expression changed.
“Keene.”
Claire watched.
Daniel listened.
Then slowly lowered the phone.
“What did he say?”
Daniel looked at Adrian.
“He doesn't want the implant anymore.”
“Then what?”
May you like
Daniel's eyes moved to Claire.
“He wants her.”
