hapter 11 

The answer came from an unexpected source.

Walter.

He appeared outside the church.

But this time, he wasn’t alone.

Several men stood behind him.

Walter smiled.

“You found it.”

Daniel held the evidence.

“You killed them.”

Walter shook his head.

“No.”

He pointed at Richard.

“He did.”

Daniel looked at his uncle.

Richard didn’t speak.

Walter laughed.

“Ask him where Thomas really went.”

Daniel’s face hardened.

“Tell me.”

Richard finally said:

“I betrayed him.”

Silence.

“I gave them the wrong location.”

Daniel stared.

“You?”

“I thought I could protect everyone.”

“You almost got my father killed.”

“I know.”

Walter stepped closer.

“Your father survived because of me.”

Daniel looked at him in disbelief.

Walter continued:

“Thomas made a deal.”

“What deal?”

“He gave up the evidence.”

Clara shook her head.

“No.”

Walter smiled.

“That’s what he wanted us to believe.”

He had taken the original documents years ago.

But Thomas had kept one copy hidden.

The copy now in Daniel’s hands.

Walter reached for it.

Daniel stepped backward.

Then Clara threw the church lantern.

The room went dark.

They ran.

Richard stayed behind.

The last thing Daniel heard was his uncle shouting:

“Go!”