Chapter 8 - The Price of Betrayal
Julian had stolen the notebook.
But he hadn't stolen everything.
Nora Ellis had already photographed each page and secured encrypted copies.
Damon immediately ordered the evidence delivered to Detective Whitmore and a federal prosecutor outside Caldwell's political network.
Kate insisted on being present.
"This started with my family," she said.
"And it ends with the truth."
Damon agreed.
Their meeting took place in a federal building downtown.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Shaw examined the evidence.
"This could support a major corruption investigation," she said.
"But we need witnesses who can authenticate the transactions."
Kate thought of her mother.
"She can."
Shaw looked at her.
"Will she testify?"
"I'll ask her."
The prosecutor closed the notebook.
"There's another problem."
Damon frowned.
"What?"
"Richard Caldwell has already filed a complaint claiming these documents were stolen and altered."
Kate stared.
"He's trying to make us look like criminals."
"Yes."
Shaw leaned forward.
"And Preston Caldwell's attorney is claiming your injuries resulted from an accidental fall."
Kate's face burned.
"That's a lie."
"I believe you. But belief isn't evidence."
Damon spoke quietly.
"We have surveillance recordings."
"Then preserve the originals and chain of custody. We will need every frame."
That evening, Kate received a message from an unknown number.
If you want to know who killed your father, come alone.
Below it was an address.
A church on the outskirts of Chicago.
Kate stared at the screen.
She knew she should tell Damon.
But the message contained a photograph.
Her father, alive, standing beside a man whose face had been scratched out.
On the back was a handwritten date.
The day before his death.
Kate's heart pounded.
She showed Damon the message.
"I want to go."
"It's a trap."
"Probably."
"Then we don't go alone."
Kate nodded.
"Agreed."
For the first time, they approached danger as partners rather than protector and victim.
At the church, Matteo's team secured the surrounding streets.
Kate and Damon entered together.
Candles flickered near the altar.
A man sat in the front pew.
Julian.
He looked exhausted.
"You're late," he said.
Damon stopped.
"Where's the notebook?"
Julian laughed bitterly.
"Still thinking about the money."
Kate stepped forward.
"Who killed my father?"
Julian looked at her.
For the first time, his arrogance disappeared.
"I'm sorry."
Kate's stomach tightened.
"Tell me."
Julian swallowed.
"Richard Caldwell ordered it."
Damon frowned.
"Your message said someone in our family was involved."
Julian lowered his head.
"Because someone was."
He looked at Damon.
"Dad helped cover it up."
The church fell silent.
May you like
Then Julian whispered the words that changed everything.
"And I have proof."
