Chapter 10 - THE LAST MESSAGE FROM HER FATHER
The forensic review of Arthur's medical records produced no immediate evidence of foul play.
But investigators discovered something else.
Arthur had met with Nathaniel Cross two days before his death.
The meeting had taken place at a private office in Manhattan.
Security footage showed Arthur entering.
He left forty minutes later.
Visibly upset.
Chloe watched the recording.
Her heart broke.
Her father looked tired.
Older than she remembered.
He paused outside the building.
Then took out his phone.
The investigators recovered a voicemail he'd left for Chloe that afternoon.
It had never reached her.
The message began with his familiar voice.
“Hey, little bird.”
Chloe covered her mouth.
“I know you're busy with wedding plans. I don't want to worry you.”
A pause.
“But I need you to promise me something.”
Chloe began crying.
“Don't sign anything Liam brings you without reading it.”
Her breath caught.
“I've found something I don't like.”
Another pause.
“I'll explain when I see you.”
Then his voice softened.
“And Chloe?”
She closed her eyes.
“I love you. No matter what happens, remember that.”
The message ended.
Chloe sat in silence.
For months, she'd believed her father had died without warning.
Now she knew he'd been trying to reach her.
Trying to protect her.
Trying to tell her the truth.
The investigation eventually established that Arthur had suffered a genuine cardiac event.
There was no reliable evidence that someone had physically caused his death.
But the threats and financial pressure he'd experienced became part of the broader case.
Chloe accepted the finding.
It didn't make the loss easier.
But it gave her something she hadn't had before.
An answer.
That evening, she went to Montauk.
She stood beside the Osprey.
The harbor was quiet.
The sky glowed orange.
She held her father's letter.
Then whispered:
“I read it, Dad.”
Her eyes filled.
“I didn't sign.”
A breeze moved across the water.
May you like
Chloe smiled through tears.
“You taught me well.”
