“Carl would never.”
“I know that now.”
Lenora’s men had taken Lucas to a private medical facility after the @ccident. He had suffered injuries and long periods of confusion. When he recovered enough to leave, Lenora offered him a choice.
Remain legally d/e/@/d and live beneath Vale House.
Or reveal himself and allow her to expose forged evidence claiming Carl had caused the boat f/i/re.
“She said Carl would spend his life in prison,” Lucas explained. “She showed me documents, witnesses’ statements, photographs. I believed her.”
Daniel turned away, furious.
“Why didn’t you try to contact us?”
“I did.”
Lucas had hidden messages in maintenance orders, medical requests, and library books brought to the underground rooms. Each one disappeared.
Only once did he receive a reply.
A note written in Carl’s handwriting.
Stay hidden. Claire is safe. I will come when I can.
