Jane's POVThe monitor's heartbeat pulse and distant thrum of the hospital night surgery were thin solace as I lay in my hospital bed, my mind a thousand miles removed from the antiseptic white room that imprisoned me. The slow crawling of hours ticked by with Damien's visits and Mae's diagnostic fault-hunting, and my mind wandered on currents of memory I had so valiantly striven to keep still.It had started out as a flash…a quick, ugly glimpse at a small, cozy kitchen in which I sat on a tall stool and watched my mother. I could still feel the kindness of her smile as she moved the soup pot, her hands slow and effortless. The coziness of the memory was colliding with the bitter sting of the present. I clutched the frayed blanket to me, holding close to myself that moment of tenderness, knowing that every gentle memory within it now held the potential of sharing ugly secrets.It was in quiet that I recalled more of my threads of a child behind, spilling in: her night cradles, soft th
Chapter 9 Jane's POVI went back to that frayed, threadbare old apartment of the past—the bedroom where my mother had slept and was filled with old photographs, lacy shreds of ornament, and the scent of books and dried lavender. Years had passed since I had ever been there in that single solitary room, but the memory still remained vividly in my mind, as if painted yesterday for the first time. I had made up my mind this afternoon to sort through her things, to dig up concealed clues within the remains of what was hers. I wanted to understand more about the woman who had ruled my childhood and maybe see the glimmers of the secrets that had followed me from the day she passed away.I pushed open the splintered front door after stepping into the half-dark hallway. Light threads slanted crookedly through torn curtains, blending with dancing motes of dust. With every step, memory sprang into being: my mother's low hum of laughter, her voice reading softly as she put me to bed, and the co
Jerry's POVI'd experienced my share of eccentric cases during my twenty years as a private investigator, but Jane Harrison's call put a shivery frisson down my spine…a chill that lingered. It was morning when my cell phone awakened me from the cramped, cluttered office I'd taken over in a renovated shop on the less populated side of town. The line was engaged, but desperation in the voice at the other end of the line caused me to answer in a hurry."Is this Jerry Marks?" the voice snapped, tight but with a touch of desperation."This is Jerry. Who is this?" I replied, sprawling in my old leather armchair, already planning my next move."This is Jane Harrison. I need your help. I have something… a letter." My mother's, and it is more than some mawkish keepsake…there are clues. Suggestions which might lead the way to anything." There had been a pause in the words, a silence of a moment, then she continued, "I believe there is a scandal, something concerning the accident which changed m
Nate's POVI'd been working on the case with an almost pathological level of dedication since I'd rescued Jane from that cold, dark warehouse. I'd spent the previous two days retracing the alleys amassing more data, a paper trail of receipts for cash, tips from an anonymous source, and cyber-trails that constructed a scenario much darker than anyone had ever been brave enough to imagine. It was time to show Jane the pieces I’d unearthed, pieces that challenged everything she believed about the accident and Damien’s role in it.I. found Jane. In her hospital room late one evening, the only light was the small bedside lamp. Her haunted eyes moved nervously upon me. I felt the inner turmoil that had so destroyed her, the tormented conflict between the woman she loved and the lie now masquerading behind Damien's familiar face."Jane, I have to talk to you," I whispered, closing the door behind me. "I've got some new information that you'll need to review."Her eyes flashed with fear and c
Jane's POVMy room was abandoned for virtual deafness. Despite having begun building pieces of a reality so horrible I couldn't stand it, so worse than anything I could have ever imagined, my heart was war-torn. In the silence that followed the events of the day, I was engaged in a virtually paralyzing desire for revenge and an adamant, lingering love for the man who had once been my whole world…Damien.I sat at the corner of my untidy bed, early morning grey light seeping in through the drawn curtains, blind-eyed gazing straight ahead at the empty white page on my desk. It was time, I supposed, to face the tempest raging within me. I grasped the scuffed-leather diary that I had hidden away, a secret haven for all the raw feeling and proof that had spilled out over the crazy weeks. My hand trembled slightly as I unfolded it as if it were fearful that the strength of what I was thinking would break the fragile peace I had been able to build.I sat down to put pen to paper, my hand swoo
Michelle's POVI had lived behind the streets of the family's gold-encrusted life, an unobtrusive witness to greed and the power struggle. My name is Michelle Carter, and after having been directly employed by Zack Lawson…period that has given me more scars than memories of love. I would never have suspected that fate would lead me before Jane Harrison, my life destroyed by the very same black lies I had been seeking to flee from for all these years.I answered the phone on my cold autumn afternoon. Jane had called up an old friend—somebody she believed could untangle the complicated web of deceptions that had trapped her family. I had known Zack long enough to realize that my past with him was a double-edged sword; whereas on the one hand, I had witnessed his cruelty, on the other, I had seen the cracks in his together persona. It was time now to encounter Jane at a sleazy coffee shop on the less populated side of town…lair where half-truths and muffled whispers held dominion in the
Jane's POVThe house loomed over me like a monument to the past—a house in which every groan of the floors and every frayed picture on the walls seemed to be a guarded secret for years. I trailed Nate into the dilapidated house on the outskirts of town, where memories hung heavy in the air and the scent of old wood filled our lungs. This was my mother's childhood home, one that had been full of laughter and unspoken love but now felt heavy with mystery and tragedy. I stepped out of the car and breathed deeply, allowing the chill of the past to close in around me. Nate went with me in silence, his omnipresent presence a comforting reminder that I wasn't by myself on this quest for the truth. I arrived at the wooden oak door and wondered what was behind this door—the past deceptions that would probably inform me how much Zack and Mae had deceived and lied to me.Inside, the house was shrouded in a dust sheet and emptiness. The tattered curtains hung limp against the windows, and the for
Jane's POVThe weight of it all…the hidden diaries, the photoshopped images, the incriminating ledgers…pressed upon me like an unremitting tide. At night, late, I sat alone in the quiet of my study, a lone lamp shining in a peaceful light over scraps of paper, my mother's old letters, and my scribbled pages. Every shred of evidence now felt like a piece of a puzzle, every one of them crying out to be fitted into the larger picture of our family's deceit.I ran my fingers along the frayed edges of the leather-bound notebook that I had taken with me since the very start of my investigation. Its pages were a history of every sleepless night, every tearful instant, and every spark of will that had formed in me since truth had begun to break through. Tonight, it was time to write a plan…a secret, bold plan to expose the corruption that had infected my life for far too long. No matter what it took, I vowed that no secret, however shameful, would be hidden any longer.I pulled out my new not
Zack’s POVI sat in my office late in the evening. The lights were low, and my mind was busy planning our next move. Mae had just come in, and her eyes were sharp, full of determination. We both knew that Jane was rising up. Her legal challenges and public speeches had stirred up too much truth. I had to act quickly and decisively.Mae broke the silence, “Zack, we cannot let her ruin everything.” I nodded slowly and replied, “I know. Jane is gaining momentum. The public is starting to ask questions. We must discredit her before her evidence takes full effect.” Mae leaned forward, “I agree. We are launching our smear campaign now. We use every tool available. I have contacts in the media. They can twist her story and show her as unstable.” I frowned slightly and said, “I want to protect our reputation. Our business depends on it. We cannot allow Jane to claim the assets and tarnish our records.” Mae smiled slyly, “Then we did this together. I have a plan. We start with social m
Jane's POVI sat at my kitchen table, having the papers spread out in front of me. My hands were trembling while I went over the papers one last time. I had to fight through the inheritance of my mother's wealth by Damien. The injustice of it seethed through me. I picked up the phone and dialed my attorney, Carla.Hello, Carla. It is Jane," I said firmly, standing firm vocally."Hello, Jane. Standing up how?" Carla softly asked."I'm prepared to go further. I have proof my mum's money illegitimately transferred over to Damien," I informed her.There was a soft silence from Carla. "That is quite serious, Jane. Would you be willing to take a course in law now?I replied firmly, "Yes, Carla. I want justice. I cannot let Damien have what is mine."In the later part of the afternoon, I went to Carla's small law office. The office was simple with a very long table and a few chairs. Carla greeted me with a smile."Jane, it's wonderful to see you. Sit down," she said, sitting on the opposite
Jane's POV I was in our rear safehouse, and there was only one lamp that provided light. I was reviewing my reports and encounters when Nate appeared silently out of nowhere. He closed the door, and we just looked at each other for a moment or so. Being near him had this calming effect on me despite the tension from these weeks still surrounding me. "Jane," Nate walked over to me and spoke softly, "you've been working day and night. How are you?" I hissed air hard and rubbed fatigue from above my eyes. "I feel my heart being pulled a thousand ways. There's the struggle for the truth, and this weight of it all evidence-wise, and then. Sometimes I think. It's too much." Nate moved closer and clasped my fist in a tight, comforting grip. "I do know. I can see it in your eyes. I'm with you, all the way. You don't have to go through it alone." I attempted a feeble smile. "Thanks, Nate. Some days I don't know how I'll make it through it all. But when you're around, it's like maybe I wi
Jane's POV I went to a public fund-raising event held in a community center. It was noisy but cozy, full of representatives of our local community and supporters who had come to witness our cause celebration. I went there to share our campaign for justice and show the masses that the truth would no longer be hidden. I had practiced my speech dozens of times, and I was standing confidently at the podium. My heart, however, was pounding furiously inside my chest, and I knew that my inner struggle was going on behind my calm face. As I was about to begin speaking, my aide Maria came up to me quietly. "Jane, it's in place. The audience is all seated, and the cameras are focused," she said firmly but with a sense of urgency. I smiled and was able to manage a small smile. "Thank you, Maria. I appreciate that you've worked so hard at getting everything ready. Today means a lot to us." She replied, "I believe in you, Jane. We all do. Just tell the truth from your heart.". I approached
Jane's POV I walked into the vacant conference room in a business complex on the outskirts of town. I had arranged this meeting with three retired executives who worked for my dad. I knew I had to be cautious. My phone rang. It was Nate: "Be careful, Jane. These individuals are jumpy." I took a deep breath and sat at the long table. The room was simple, with some chairs and a table that was old but looked sturdy. Three executives were sitting there. Their faces were concerned. I sat at the end of the table. A gray-haired man spoke first. "Jane, thank you for coming. My name is Richard. We appreciate you meeting us in secret." I nodded. "Thanks, Richard. I realize that this won't be easy for any of us. I need your help. I have evidence that uncovers deep corruption at Lawson Enterprises. My dad, Zack, covered up illicit deals and even destroyed critical records. I am filing legal action, and I need assistants who will support my cause.". A quiet, sharp-eyed woman named Sandra t
Jane's POV I was in my office when my secure phone beeped with a text. It was short: "Meet me tonight. I have something for you. – Insider." My heart was pounding as I read it. I knew this was likely a huge tip. I called Nate on my phone. "Hi, Nate, I just got a message from an insider. They would like to meet tonight," I told him. Nate replied, "Are you sure it is safe? Who is it?" I replied, "I don't know the name. It just says 'Insider.' But I think we have to hear what they have to say. I'll be cautious." "Okay, Jane. Keep your phone on and call me in. I'll be waiting," Nate directed. I hung up and sat there, trying to quiet my nerves. I knew that leaked information would be dangerous, but also would be worth it. I packed up and went home. I drove slowly, trying to fit in. The meeting spot was a small, nondescript café near an old warehouse district. I arrived just after nightfall and sat in a hidden corner. Within a few minutes, a man wearing a black hat and jacket a
Jane's POV I sat at my small desk, the testimony spread out in front of me when it hit me suddenly that I had to begin constructing my network of support. I needed people who worked with my dad, Zack, in the past, individuals who were aware of how his company was run and who would be willing to give their testimonies. I drew a breath and picked up my phone. I dialed the first number on my list. The phone rang, and I heard a voice I recognized. "Hello, this is Michael." "Hi Michael, it's Jane. I worked with you at Lawson Enterprises." There was a silence that felt like minutes. "Jane? I—I didn't think I'd be hearing from you. How are you?" "I'm. not good, Michael. I need to talk to you about something important. It involves my father and the company." Michael's tone was argumentative. "What do you mean?" "Things don't add up. I have proof of corruption and cover-ups. I must know the truth regarding how Zack operated in business. I believe that you have to know the answer
Jane's POVI was crammed into a small meeting room with Detective Harris and Nate. The atmosphere was heavy, and my heart pounded. Detective Harris dropped a thick report on the table and gave me a stern look."Jane," he began in his soft, low voice, "I have reviewed all the evidence that night. I can now safely say:The accident was not an accident."I could see my hands shaking. "What do you mean, Detective? Explain."Detective Harris reached up and adjusted his glasses. "We learned a lot of things that didn't add up. The video from the dashcam was erased. The records show someone logged in remotely. We also learned the police report had been tampered with. It is clear that someone went out of their way to delete important evidence."Nate bent forward. "So someone erased the video? Who would erase it?"The detective groaned. "It wasn't a technical glitch. It was done on purpose. The machine was accessed remotely, and the files were erased by someone who had remote access. The way the
Jane's POVI had noticed Detective Harris in a tiny coffee shop on a deserted street. The coffee shop was almost empty when I came in. I spotted him immediately. He sat in the corner of the shop with a piping hot cup of coffee in front of him and a notepad on his table. His eyes looked pinched but interested."Have a seat, Jane," he told me when I stood in front of him.I sat beside him. "I appreciate the time, Detective Harris. I desperately need your assistance."He shook his head. "I see why you've come. I was waiting for you."I breathed in. "I want to know what really happened that night on the night of the crash. I believe there's evidence that's missing because it was deliberately destroyed. Do you know anything else you can tell me about it?Detective Harris nodded in the direction. "I was also working on the case then," he started. "I did all the sides of the case. But something strange occurred. Some crucial evidence just. vanished."I looked at him, sitting. "Vanished? What