Chapter 9 - THE MAN WHO CAME BACK
Daniel Mercer was alive.
Federal investigators found him in a witness-protection arrangement that had collapsed after an internal security breach.
He had spent years hiding from Victor Lang’s associates.
When Nicholas learned the truth, he insisted on meeting him.
Daniel arrived under federal protection.
He was thinner than in the photographs.
His left hand trembled.
But when he saw Maria, he began crying.
She crossed the room and embraced him.
For a long time, neither spoke.
Then Daniel asked about Lucy.
Maria showed him a photograph.
His face crumpled.
“She’s so big.”
Nicholas watched silently.
Daniel had missed nearly four years of his daughter’s life.
Not because he abandoned her.
Because powerful men had made returning dangerous.
Nicholas understood that his organization had helped create that danger.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Daniel looked at him.
“Sorry won’t give me those years back.”
“I know.”
“Then help make sure nobody else loses them.”
May you like
Nicholas nodded.
“That’s what I intend to do.”
