Chapter 10: The Man Who Raised Him
“Give me the pendant.””
The voice on Principal Bennett’s phone was still ringing in my ears.
I grabbed the car door.
“We have to go back.””
Ariana’s mother caught my arm.
“What if they’re waiting for us?””
“They have Miles.””
“And the principal.””
I stopped.
She was right.
I pulled up the Jefferson Middle School security page on my phone and called the district emergency line.
“This is Laura Harris,” I said.
“My son has been abducted, and someone has attacked the principal.””
The operator asked for our location.
I gave it.
Then I heard a car engine behind us.
A black SUV.
My stomach dropped.
“Drive.””
Ariana’s mother didn't ask questions.
I pulled onto the highway.
The SUV followed.
I changed lanes.
It followed.
“That's them,” she whispered.
I pressed harder on the accelerator.
My phone buzzed.
A text appeared.
*STOP DRIVING.*
Then another.
*YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO US.*
I looked at the silver pendant lying in my lap.
The memory card was still inside.
I had no idea what was on it.
But whoever was following us was terrified of it.
Ariana’s mother pointed ahead.
“Turn there.””
“Where?””
“Church parking lot.””
I turned sharply.
The SUV continued past the intersection.
For a moment, I thought we'd lost them.
Then headlights appeared in my rearview mirror again.
“They're coming back.””
I drove behind the church and killed the lights.
We sat in darkness.
The SUV rolled past the entrance.
Then stopped.
A man stepped out.
Gray hair.
Black jacket.
Martin.
He scanned the parking lot.
I reached for my phone.
Ariana's mother whispered, “Wait.””
Another vehicle entered.
A sedan.
David got out.
I stared.
“What is he doing here?””
David walked directly toward Martin.
They began arguing.
I cracked the window.
“You promised she'd never find out,” Martin said.
David answered, “You promised Miles wouldn't be involved.””
“I didn't involve the boy.””
“You sent Ethan.””
“I gave Ethan instructions.””
My hands clenched.
David looked toward the SUV.
“You've lost control.””
Martin grabbed him by the collar.
“Richard will fix it.””
The name hit me.
Richard.
My husband's father.
I raised my phone and recorded.
Then David said something that made me stop breathing.
“Richard Harris has been dead for two years.””
Martin laughed.
“That's what Laura believes.””
I looked at Ariana's mother.
She was staring at me.
“Your husband’s father is alive?””
“I don't know anymore.””
A car door slammed.
Martin looked toward the church.
“Someone's here.””
David pulled away.
They separated.
I waited until both vehicles left.
Then I started the engine.
“We're going to the police,” I said.
Ariana's mother nodded.
But before I could pull out, my phone rang.
Principal Bennett.
I answered immediately.
“Mr. Bennett?””
His breathing was heavy.
“I'm okay.””
I nearly cried with relief.
“Where are you?””
“Storage room.””
“Who attacked you?””
“I don't know. He left when he realized I didn't have the pendant.””
“Where is Miles?””
Silence.
Then Bennett said,
“I know where he is.””
My heart stopped.
“Where?””
“The old Jefferson Community Center.””
I looked at Ariana's mother.
She closed her eyes.
“Of course,” she whispered.
“Mr. Bennett, we're coming.””
“No.””
His voice sharpened.
“Don't go there.””
“Why?””
“Because I found the security footage.””
“What footage?””
“The day Miles first started accusing Ariana.””
My stomach tightened.
“What does it show?””
Bennett hesitated.
“It shows Miles meeting someone.””
“Who?””
“A man.””
“Martin?””
“No.””
“Then who?””
His voice dropped.
“The man looks exactly like Daniel.””
I stopped breathing.
“That's impossible.””
“I know.””
“Send it to me.””
“I can't.””
“Why?””
“Because the file is encrypted.””
“Then get it decrypted.””
“I tried.””
“What happened?””
Bennett whispered,
“It asked for a password.””
“What password?””
He went silent.
May you like
Then:
“Your wedding anniversary.””
