Chapter 12 - The Man Who Moved Claire
David tried to leave.
Security stopped him.
Daniel stood between him and the door.
"You moved my sister."
David's voice hardened.
"I saved your sister."
"From whom?"
"All of them."
He pointed at Margaret.
"Your parents had already sacrificed her once."
Margaret shouted, "You helped Evelyn."
"At first."
Daniel stared at him.
David continued.
"Evelyn wanted Claire because of Helix. Thomas wanted money. Richard wanted his company protected. Margaret wanted the scandal hidden."
Margaret slapped him.
Security intervened.
David laughed.
"You know I'm right."
Daniel said, "Where did you take Claire?"
David stopped laughing.
"Somewhere Evelyn couldn't find her."
"Where?"
"I can't tell you."
Daniel grabbed him.
"She's my sister."
"Then you should understand why."
"Understand what?"
"If Claire is alive, revealing her location puts her in danger again."
Daniel stared.
"If?"
David looked away.
"You don't know if she's alive."
"I haven't seen her in years."
"How many?"
"Seventeen."
Daniel almost collapsed.
Seventeen years ago meant Claire had survived into adulthood.
"You knew her."
David nodded.
"She knew who she was?"
"Eventually."
"Did she know about me?"
"Yes."
Daniel closed his eyes.
"Why didn't she contact me?"
David said nothing.
"Why?"
"Because she hated you."
The answer struck harder than violence.
Daniel stepped back.
"Why would she hate me?"
"Because Evelyn told her your family chose you."
Margaret cried.
David continued.
"Claire grew up believing Richard and Margaret traded her life for yours."
"That's not true."
"Parts of it are."
Emily looked at the USB.
"Who made the drive?"
David nodded toward it.
"Claire."
Everyone froze.
Daniel stared.
"Claire made this?"
"She started collecting evidence after she turned eighteen."
"How did it end up in the wall?"
"Richard."
Margaret looked stunned.
David explained.
"Claire contacted Richard in 2015."
One year before his death.
"He met her?"
"Yes."
Margaret whispered, "He never told me."
"He didn't trust you."
The words landed heavily.
Daniel asked, "What did Claire want?"
"To expose Helix."
"Why didn't she?"
"Because someone threatened her daughter."
Silence.
Emily stared.
"Claire has a child."
David nodded.
"A girl."
Daniel's eyes filled.
"How old?"
"About twelve now."
Margaret covered her mouth.
Daniel whispered, "What's her name?"
David hesitated.
"Grace."
Daniel sat.
A niece he never knew existed.
David continued.
"Claire disappeared again to protect Grace."
"From Evelyn?"
"No."
"Then who?"
David looked toward the USB.
"Project Helix outlived Evelyn."
"Is Evelyn alive?"
"No."
"How did she die?"
"Car accident, 2012."
"Who took over?"
David hesitated.
"A board."
Daniel laughed bitterly.
"Of course."
"People inside Carter Biotechnics?"
"Some."
"Who?"
"I only know one current name."
Daniel waited.
David looked directly at him.
"Margaret Carter."
Emily felt Noah grip her hand.
Margaret stood completely still.
Daniel whispered:
"Mom?"
Margaret shook her head.
"No."
David said, "Show them the last folder."
Margaret's expression changed.
Emily saw it.
Fear.
They returned to the laptop.
The final folder required a second password.
Noah suddenly said:
"I know it."
Everyone looked at him.
Emily frowned.
"How?"
"Grandma said it when she thought I was asleep."
Margaret whispered, "Noah."
He moved behind Emily.
"What did she say?" Daniel asked.
May you like
Noah answered:
"Grace1999."
