Chapter 12 - The Last Witness
Evelyn Bennett agreed to enter federal protective custody.
Kate hated the thought of being separated from her mother again.
But this time, Evelyn wasn't running away.
She was preparing to testify.
In a secure interview room, she told investigators everything.
Nineteen years earlier, Thomas Bennett had discovered a network of fraudulent contracts linking Caldwell Holdings to several politically connected businesses.
He planned to report the scheme.
Two days later, his car was forced off a rural road.
The crash was staged.
Vincent Blackwell had helped conceal financial evidence after learning of Thomas's death, but Evelyn believed Vincent later attempted to expose Caldwell.
"Why didn't you tell the police?" Kate asked.
Evelyn lowered her eyes.
"Because Richard Caldwell threatened you."
Kate went still.
"He said if I spoke, you would disappear."
Tears ran down Evelyn's cheeks.
"You were seven years old."
Kate reached across the table.
For years, she had resented her mother's silence.
Now she understood its terrible cost.
"I'm sorry," Evelyn whispered.
Kate squeezed her hand.
"I wish you'd told me."
"I know."
"But we're telling the truth now."
Evelyn nodded.
Investigators then showed her a photograph of a man named Marcus Voss.
A former private security contractor.
Evelyn recognized him immediately.
"He was there."
"Where?" Detective Whitmore asked.
"At the scene of Thomas's crash. I saw him before the police arrived."
The room fell silent.
Marcus Voss had worked for Richard Caldwell for twenty-two years.
He was also linked to the recent attack at the church.
Federal agents obtained an arrest warrant.
But Voss disappeared before they could reach him.
That night, Kate returned to the estate.
Damon was packing several boxes.
"What are you doing?"
"Moving out."
Kate stared.
"Why?"
"The estate is being placed under independent management during the investigation."
"Where will you go?"
Damon smiled faintly.
"I have a small apartment downtown."
"How small?"
"Two bedrooms."
Kate raised an eyebrow.
"For you, that's probably a tragedy."
He laughed.
It was the first genuine laugh she'd heard from him in days.
Then he grew serious.
"Kate, I need to ask you something."
She waited.
"Will you come with me?"
Kate studied him.
"Not as your employee?"
"No."
"Not because you think I need rescuing?"
"No."
"Then as what?"
Damon took her hand.
"As the woman I love."
Kate's eyes filled.
She had been waiting for those words without realizing it.
"I love you too," she whispered.
For a moment, the world felt peaceful.
Then Matteo's phone rang.
May you like
Marcus Voss had been spotted near Saint Vincent's Hospital.
And he was carrying a weapon.
