Chapter 401

“Alright.” Hank stood up and grabbed the files. “I’ll head out now.”
Reese watched him go, her feelings tangled up inside. She never thought she’d see the day when she and Hank would work together, both fighting for justice for her mom. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
“Don’t worry. Hank’s really on our side this time.” Matthew squeezed her hand, his voice steady and sure. “He’s already lost his mother. He won’t give up on the truth. And the Meyer Group meant everything to his dad. He’s not going to watch Nathaniel tear it all down.”
Reese nodded and leaned into him. “I hope you’re right. We’ve waited so long. We can’t afford for anything else to go wrong.”
“It won’t.” Matthew’s words were quiet but strong. “We’re going to get the evidence soon. Everyone responsible will finally pay for what they did. Your mom will finally be able to rest.”
***
At the old Meyer estate, the longtime housekeeper was outside, watering the flowers in the courtyard. When he saw Hank come in, his eyes widened in surprise.
“Hank, what brings you here? It’s late and the night air is chilly. Come in, come in.”
“Duncan, I just wanted to check in on you.” Hank gave him a warm smile and spoke with respect.
“There’s been so much happening with the family lately. Have you been keeping well?”
“I’m well, still strong as ever.” Duncan smiled, leading Hank inside. “Come have a seat. I’ll get you some water.”
Hank sat down on the living room sofa. His eyes drifted toward the study, and a nervous tension crept into his chest. He took a deep breath and tried to steady himself.
“Duncan, I’d like to visit my mother’s study,” Hank said softly. There was a hint of longing in his voice. “It’s been a while. I want to see her things again, remember her.”
Duncan’s gaze grew gentle and a little sad. He nodded.
“Of course. The study is just as she left it. I’ll show you in.”
Hank followed Duncan into the study. Nothing had changed. Marie’s fountain pen and her old notebook stil sat on the desk sunlight Stilling through the window and dancing across their surfaces.
A wave of sadness hit Hank. He could almost see his mother there, smiling at him. Quietly, he promised himself he would find the proof they needed and make things right for her
“Duncan, you can go back to your work. I’d like a few minutes alone,” Hank said.
“Of course. If you need anything, just call.” Duncan nodded and left, closing the door gently behind him.
Hank moved quickly to the
bookshelf, scanning every dela
The
b Shelves were packed with e
books, nothing out of the ordinary.
Remembering Vivian’s clue, he started tapping carefully on the wooden panels, listening for any difference.
Тар. Тар. Тар.
Each sound echoed in the silence, making his heart beat faster. Sweat broke out on his palms.
Then, he hit a panel that sounded different-hollow, almost empty.
His pulse jumped. He felt around, found the edge, and pushed. The panel slid
aside, revealing a small, shadowy space.
Inside sat a metal box with a tiny lock.
Hank picked it up, hands trembling. He was sure this was it-the files they’d been searching for.
He was just about to open it when footsteps sounded outside the door, along with muffled voices.
“Hank’s here?”
“I thought he was busy with that Blade project. What’s he doing back?”