Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO WASN'T DEAD
Thomas Ellis was found alive in Milwaukee.
He'd been living under an assumed name after receiving threats connected to the construction records.
Detective Bell contacted him through his attorney.
Thomas agreed to return to Chicago and provide a statement.
Mrs. Ellis cried when she heard.
I was sitting beside her when the detective called.
She dropped her teacup.
Then covered her mouth.
"My boy?"
I nodded through tears.
"He's alive."
She began sobbing.
I held her.
For the first time since I'd met her, she cried from relief.
Three days later, Thomas returned.
He was thinner than in the photographs.
Older.
Exhausted.
But alive.
Mrs. Ellis ran toward him.
He caught her.
They held each other for a long time.
Adrian stood nearby.
Watching.
Thomas looked toward him.
Then said:
"I owe you an apology."
Adrian shook his head.
"No."
Thomas swallowed.
"I believed you were responsible."
Adrian looked down.
"I understand why."
Thomas continued.
"Your uncle's people threatened me."
Adrian nodded.
Then said:
"Tell the investigators everything."
May you like
Thomas agreed.
And the truth finally began to emerge.
