Chapter 7 - THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
The first real threat came the following evening.
A black envelope arrived at my office.
Inside was a photograph of Emma leaving the hospital with her temporary foster caregiver.
On the back, someone had written:
YOU FOUND ONE DAUGHTER. DON'T LOSE BOTH.
I stared at the message.
Vincent stood across from me.
"Boss?"
I looked up.
"Who delivered it?"
"Courier. False name."
I set the photograph down.
"Increase protection around Lily. Coordinate with Emma's social worker and the police about the threat."
Vincent nodded.
"And the sender?"
I looked at him.
"We identify him."
For years, I'd handled threats with threats.
Violence with violence.
But now two children were involved.
And every reckless decision could put them in greater danger.
I called Detective Sarah Kim, the investigator assigned to Emma's abandonment.
She listened carefully.
Then said:
"Mr. Blackwell, we need you to preserve the envelope and let us examine it."
"I will."
A pause.
"Are you willing to cooperate fully?"
I looked toward the photograph of Grace on my desk.
"Yes."
Sarah sounded surprised.
"Even if the investigation leads into your own organization?"
May you like
I closed my eyes.
"Especially then."
