Chapter 3 - The Secret in the Cedar
Adrian reached into the dark alcove with a trembling hand.
His fingers touched the cool, smooth leather of the box.
He pulled it out into the warm light of the dressing room.
Natalie gasped, bringing both hands to her face as tears welled in her eyes.
"It really is here," Natalie sobbed.
"Police said it went over the cliff with her car."
"They said it was crushed in the ravine."
Adrian didn't say a word.
He unlatched the gold clasp of the red box.
The lid sprang open.
Inside lay a heavy metallic silver USB flash drive and a handwritten letter folded into a small square.
The handwriting on the paper was unmistakable.
It belonged to Claire.
Adrian unfolded the letter with deliberate slowness.
His eyes scanned the ink lines written in haste three years ago.
"Adrian,
If you are reading this, it means I didn't survive the drive tonight.
I confronted Madison about the stolen forty million from the offshore accounts.
She threatened me.
She said if I told you, she would destroy everything you built.
The proof is on this drive.
Don't trust her, Adrian.
She isn't acting alone."
Adrian’s breath stopped in his chest.
May you like
His eyes lingered on the final line of the letter.
She isn't acting alone.
