Father Thomas stopped.
His eyes moved to the broken window.
“I came when I received Carl’s message.”
“What message?” I asked.
The old priest looked genuinely startled to see me.
“One scheduled to arrive this morning.”
He reached into his coat and handed me his phone.
An email from Carl had arrived at 5:47 a.m.
Thomas, if Claire opens the chest, go to the cabin immediately. Do not trust anyone who arrives before you.
I looked at Daniel.
His face hardened.
“That proves nothing.”
Father Thomas pointed the crowbar toward Daniel.
“Neither does your performance.”
The two men faced each other like old enemies.
“What is happening?” I shouted. “Which one of you is lying?”
Neither answered.
I held up Carl’s letter.
“He said the person who destroyed my family attended the wedding. Both of you were there. So one of you tells me the truth right now, or I walk away and give everything to the police.”
