Chapter 9 - THE SECRET BENEATH THE GLASSHOUSE
Christa returned to Bellweather with a structural engineer and a legal representative.
The greenhouse foundation contained an unusual void beneath the central planting bed.
The original drawings had shown a small maintenance chamber.
But the current structure concealed its entrance.
After obtaining the necessary approvals, the team opened the sealed access.
Inside was a narrow room.
Dry.
Dusty.
And untouched for decades.
A metal cabinet stood against the far wall.
Christa approached carefully.
Inside were folders.
Photographs.
Financial ledgers.
And a handwritten letter.
Addressed to her mother.
EVELYN, IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ME, KEEP THESE SAFE.
The signature belonged to Arthur Bell.
Christa stared.
The records documented payments between shipping companies, political intermediaries, and several financial partnerships.
One name appeared repeatedly.
Hammond.
Another appeared near the bottom of a ledger.
Flores.
Christa felt her stomach tighten.
Leo's family was involved.
She turned toward him.
He stood near the doorway.
His expression had gone still.
“Leo?”
He looked at the documents.
May you like
Then whispered:
“My father.”
