Chapter 14: The Final Evidence
Mark stepped inside like he owned the house.
That was the thing about him.
He never rushed.
He never panicked.
Even when everyone else was afraid.
He closed the door behind him.
“Give me the tablet.””
Nobody moved.
Amanda stepped in front of me.
“No.””
Mark smiled.
“Still protecting them?””
Amanda’s voice was firm.
“Yes.””
He laughed.
“After everything?””
She stared at him.
“After everything.””
I held the tablet behind my back.
Mark noticed.
“Ethan.””
His voice became gentle.
That made me hate him more.
“Your father trusted me.””
I remembered Dad’s warning.
*Don’t believe him if he makes himself the hero.*
“You said you were helping us.””
Mark nodded.
“I was.””
“Then why does Dad say not to trust you?””
His smile disappeared slightly.
Only slightly.
“Because your father was scared.””
“No.””
I shook my head.
“Because he knew the truth.””
Mark looked at Amanda.
“You told him everything?””
Amanda didn’t answer.
That was enough.
Mark sighed.
“You don’t understand what your father was involved in.””
“Then explain.””
He looked at me.
“I tried.””
“No.””
I stepped forward.
“You told me only what made you look good.””
For the first time, Mark looked angry.
“You’re a child.””
“I know.””
I held up the tablet.
“But Dad trusted me.””
That hit him.
Because he knew it was true.
Mark took a step forward.
Amanda moved closer.
“Don’t.””
Mark stopped.
Then he smiled.
“Fine.””
He reached into his pocket.
“I’ll show you.””
He pulled out a small flash drive.
“Your father’s final files.””
Amanda’s face changed.
“Where did you get that?””
Mark looked at her.
“From the place he hid it.””
I stared.
“What files?””
Mark looked at me.
“Files proving your father planned everything.””
Amanda frowned.
“What?””
Mark smiled.
“He knew he was going to disappear.””
“That’s a lie.””
“Is it?””
He looked at the tablet.
“Ask yourself why he made videos instead of coming home.””
I hated that question.
Because I didn’t know the answer.
Mark took another step.
“Your father didn’t trust anyone.””
Amanda whispered:
“That’s not true.””
Mark looked at her.
“He didn’t even trust you.””
The words hurt her.
I saw it.
And for a second, I wondered if Mark was telling the truth.
Then Lily spoke.
“He trusted Ethan.””
Everyone looked at her.
She stood there, small but brave.
“He trusted Ethan enough to leave him the truth.””
Mark stared at her.
Then he laughed.
“You’re just like him.””
“No.””
Lily shook her head.
“I’m like Ethan.””
The room became quiet.
Then Mark’s phone rang.
He looked at the screen.
His face changed.
A real reaction.
Fear.
He answered.
“What?””
Nobody spoke.
Then Mark went pale.
“No. That’s impossible.””
Amanda noticed.
“What happened?””
Mark slowly lowered the phone.
Then he looked at me.
“Your father woke up.””
My heart stopped.
Nobody breathed.
“Where is he?”” Amanda whispered.
Mark looked at the tablet.
Then at me.
“He’s coming here.””
A sound came from outside.
A car door closing.
Everyone turned toward the window.
A shadow moved across the porch.
May you like
And then a familiar voice said:
“Ethan.””
