Chapter 17 - The Reporter Who Asked Different Questions
The following afternoon, a young investigative journalist named Claire Donovan requested an interview.
Unlike the dozens of reporters waiting outside the property, Claire did not ask about the assault.
She asked about the emblem.
Elena noticed immediately.
"Why are you interested in that?"
Claire removed a worn notebook from her shoulder bag.
"My grandfather spent years researching forgotten civilian rescue groups after the war."
She opened to several photocopied newspaper articles.
Each contained blurred photographs.
Each showed the same silver emblem.
Different decades.
Different disasters.
Different cities.
Always the same symbol.
"My grandfather believed the emblem belonged to volunteers who refused public recognition."
Samuel quietly exchanged a glance with Harold.
Claire continued.
"But every official record disappeared."
Harold asked calmly,
"What makes you think they existed at all?"
Claire smiled.
"Because every time I get close to the truth..."
"...someone tells me to stop."
The sentence changed the atmosphere.
She produced another document.
"This arrived anonymously three weeks ago."
Inside was a single photocopied page.
At the bottom appeared handwriting identical to the notebook hidden beneath Harold's floorboards.
Elena compared both samples.
The lettering matched almost perfectly.
Harold looked genuinely surprised.
"I never sent copies."
"Then someone else did."
Claire leaned forward.
"I think whoever attacked you wasn't looking for money."
"No."
"They were looking for history."
Harold slowly nodded.
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"And history is often more dangerous than people imagine."
...
