Chapter 6 - THE HOUSE ON THE BLUFF
The jet landed at a suitable diversion airport after the crew coordinated the change.
Authorities met the aircraft.
Victor was questioned and separated from the family while investigators examined the allegations and flight instructions.
Silas provided everything he knew.
Leo remained close to Khloe.
He didn't cry again.
But he watched every doorway.
Two days later, Silas traveled to the lake house with a small team of independent investigators.
Khloe accompanied Leo at his request.
The house stood on a rocky bluff.
White walls.
Tall windows.
A narrow path leading toward the water.
Leo stopped at the entrance.
His face changed.
Khloe knelt.
WHAT IS IT?
He signed:
MOM WAS HERE.
Silas looked toward the house.
“She loved this place.”
Inside, the rooms smelled faintly of cedar.
The furniture was covered.
Dust lay across the windowsills.
Leo moved toward the living room.
Then stopped beside an old wooden cabinet.
He pointed.
Khloe signed:
WHAT'S THERE?
Leo answered:
MOM'S STAR.
Silas frowned.
“Star?”
Khloe looked toward the cabinet.
Above it hung a brass star-shaped decoration.
Silas removed it.
Behind the star was a small recessed compartment.
Inside lay a sealed envelope.
Addressed to Silas.
His hands shook as he opened it.
Silas,
If you're reading this, then Leo remembered.
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the truth before I left.
I discovered something about Victor.
Something connected to the Geneva clinic.
They weren't interested in helping Leo.
They were interested in using him.
Silas stopped reading.
His chest tightened.
Khloe watched him.
“What does it say?”
He swallowed.
Then continued.
Victor has been working with a private medical investment group that wants access to your financial networks.
They believe controlling Leo's treatment decisions will give them leverage over you.
I refused.
They threatened me.
I tried to tell you, but Victor intercepted my messages.
If I disappear, don't believe I left our son willingly.
Find the records in the blue room.
And please, Silas, learn to speak to Leo.
He has been trying to tell you the truth all along.
Evelyn.
Silas lowered the letter.
For a long moment, he couldn't move.
Then Leo reached for his hand.
Silas looked down.
The boy signed:
MOM LOVES US.
Khloe translated.
Silas began crying.
He knelt beside his son.
And whispered:
“I know, buddy.”
Then he looked toward the hallway.
“The blue room.”
May you like
They moved together.
And behind the blue bedroom door, they found the evidence that would expose the entire conspiracy.
