“We found it. We finally have something solid.”
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Caitlin ryed everything they’d uncovered, showing James the photograph of their mother.
“This… this is really her… it’s Mom…”
James couldn’t hold back the tears that welled up in his eyes. His throat tightened painfully as he stared at the picture. Years of separation, of wondering and not knowing–it all came crashing down now that he was so close, and yet still unable to see her face–to–face.
Caitlin gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. “Don’t be sad. Based on what we’ve learned so far, it’s clear that Mom wasn’t abused after she was taken. She received treatment, and her depression was under control when she was discharged.”
“Even though we still don’t know who orchestrated all of this or why, we know for certain that she’s still alive. And that means we can keep searching.”
James nodded, then asked, “Who is this Parker
guy?”
‘We don’t know yet,” Caitlin replied, “but I’m certain ck Hawk knows. He was the one who brought my mom to Athea. He must know who Parker is.”
‘That bastard’s mouth is sealed shut,” Sebastian muttered with frustration. “We still can’t dig up anything on his past. It’s like someone wiped it all clean.”
Everyone fell silent, until Caitlin broke the tension. “Actually… I just thought of something.”
“What is it?”
‘Do you remember what Timothy said with hisst breath?”
Sebastian’s eyes lit up as he caught on. “If he was trying to say ‘Ellie,‘ then your mother’s disappearance might be connected to Forrest. Which means… she could be linked to Carlos’s
faction.”
“Exactly,” Caitlin nodded. “If that’s true, then Carlos and ck Hawk might be working together or part of the samework.”
James’s voice rose with anger. “There has to be something bigger going on. Why take Mom? And if this is about the Codex, why hasn’t anyonee after you for it?”
“Maybe it’s not even about the Codex,” Caitlin reasoned. “Carlos sold off Jonathan family assets. He’s clearly aiming to carve up the empire.”
Sebastian voiced a chilling possibility. “What if Carlos… is Parker?”
2:26 pm
Everyone was stunned into silence.
:??
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Caitlin thought back to Forrest. “Forrest is just Carlos’s cover identity, which means he could have many others. It wouldn’t be surprising if Parker was one of them.”
“If they’re the same person,” she continued, “then Timothy’sst words–‘Forrest‘ and ‘Ellie’— would make perfect sense. He was trying to tell me where my mother was. He just didn’t have enough time.”
“And if Forrest brought her to Athea, maybe he’s from here. Maybe the mastermind has been hiding in Athea this whole time. We need to dig into Parker. Don’t lose track of Carlos either.”
“Let’s get going.”
They all headed back to Sanctis.
As their vehicle drove off, a man in a white coat and sses stood at a third–floor window of the sanitarium, watching them. He pulled out his phone.
“The woman’s name is Esme. She’s here digging into Ellie. They just left.”
“Esme?” The voice on the other end was low and dangerous, with a tinge of surprise. “What did she
find out?”
“She met with the director. I don’t know exactly what was said, but the whole group left together.”
“Your director really is a stubborn old man.”
The line went dead. But that voice… it left the doctor chilled to the bone.
Back at the hotel, Sebastian had Tyler post everything they’d discovered onto The Obsidian Order’s intelligence system, tasking their operatives to investigate the leads.
Later<i>, </i>Caitlin and Sebastian visited Federico at the hospital. His condition had stabilized, and he was expected to be discharged within a day or two.
They decided to wait for him before leaving Athea. In the meantime, they’d keep digging–maybe someone local knew something useful.
After lunch, they returned to the hotel.
But as they approached the entrance, they saw an unusuallyrge number of royal guards posted
outside.
Unease stirred in Caitlin’s chest.
They walked in. The moment the guards spotted Caitlin, one of them stepped forward and radioed
2:26 pm
his superior.
“Commander! We’ve located Esme!”
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The squad leader quickly emerged from the lobby, his eyes scanning the group. He locked onto Caitlin. “Miss Esme, pleasee with us.”
“What’s going on?” Caitlin asked, her tone calm but firm. Sebastian and James immediately grew
tense.
“His Highness the Prince was injured during an attackst night. You were present at the scene. His Majesty and Her Majesty would like to speak with you personally at the pce.”
So it was about the shooting.
The others exchanged looks. Was the royal family trying to me Caitlin for the attack? Or were they simply searching for answers?
Caitlin answered carefully, “We already spoke to the Sanctis police. We gave statements. Why is the pce involved now?”
“We’re just following orders. Please,e with us.”
Sebastian stepped forward, shielding Caitlin with his body. “Commander, even if you’re summoning someone to the pce, do you have the proper paperwork? A royal summons?”
The guard’s gaze hardened. He hesitated.
“No… but we’re acting under a direct verbal order. You’ll have to take it up with Their Majesties. Take her.”
Themander waved, and two guards stepped toward Caitlin. Sebastian moved again to block them, but Caitlin reached out and stopped him.
“It’s okay, Jason. If the King and Queen just want to ask questions, I’ll exin everything clearly. I’ll be fine. Wait for me here.”
She turned to Tyler, “You and James were also there. Can youe with me?”
“No. The King only summoned Esme,” themander said sharply. “Just her.”
The guards cleared a path and waited.
Caitlin turned back onest time to her group. They were clearly worried. She gave them a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”
Left with no other option, they watched helplessly as Caitlin was led away, escorted into a ck car
and driven off.
2:26 pm
Why had the pce called her in alone?
Sebastian’s gut twisted.