A Second Will
When the lights returned, Daniel was gone.
Henry searched the room.
Only Leo remained.
On the table was a sealed envelope.
Henry opened it.
Inside was another will.
This one was handwritten.
Richard had left everything to Henry.
But there was a condition.
Henry could inherit only if he publicly exposed the person responsible for his father's death.
At the bottom, Richard had written:
THE TRUTH WILL COST YOU EVERYTHING.
Henry stared at the document.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
It was Thomas.
"Henry, where are you?"
Henry didn't answer.
Thomas continued.
"I know what you found."
Henry froze.
"How?"
"I've been watching the house."
Henry looked around.
"You killed my father."
"No."
"You worked with him."
"Yes."
"Then tell me the truth."
Thomas sighed.
"I tried to protect him."
"From whom?"
"The person who controlled Richard's company."
"Who?"
Thomas whispered,
"Your mother."
Henry's face went blank.
"My mother died twelve years ago."
"She was supposed to."
"What does that mean?"
"She disappeared."
Henry felt dizzy.
"Thomas, stop lying."
"I am not."
Then Thomas said something terrifying.
"Your mother wasn't killed."
Henry stared at the phone.
"Where is she?"
Thomas replied,
"Ask Daniel."
The call ended.
Henry looked toward the tunnel.
Daniel was gone.
But Leo was staring at the far wall.
Henry moved closer.
There was a hidden compartment.
Inside was an old family photograph.
Richard.
Henry's father.
His mother.
And Daniel.
All four were standing together.
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On the back were three words:
BEFORE THE BETRAYAL.
