Chapter 38 - Arthur's Return
Arthur Collins was found shortly after midnight at a small countryside clinic nearly eighty miles north of the city. The doctor who contacted Detective Elena Morris insisted the elderly man had walked into the building alone just before closing time.
"He was exhausted," the doctor explained. "But physically... surprisingly well."
"What about his memory?"
"He remembers everything."
"Then why won't he answer our questions?"
The doctor hesitated.
"He says he already has."
Elena immediately left for the clinic with Harold, Samuel, Michael, and two officers.
Arthur was sitting quietly beside a window when they arrived. A blanket rested across his shoulders, and a cup of untouched tea cooled on the table beside him.
The moment Harold entered the room, Arthur smiled.
"I knew you'd come."
Harold sat opposite him.
"Where have you been?"
Arthur glanced toward the closed door before answering.
"Listening."
"To whom?"
"People who think they've already won."
Samuel frowned.
"They took you?"
Arthur slowly shook his head.
"No."
"You went willingly?"
"I needed them to believe I was cooperating."
The room fell silent.
Elena leaned forward.
"What did they ask you?"
Arthur answered without hesitation.
"They never asked about money."
"They never asked about property."
"They asked only one question."
"What question?"
Arthur looked directly at Harold.
"'Who inherited the Ninth Promise?'"
Everyone instinctively looked toward the unfinished silver emblem inside its protective case.
Arthur continued quietly.
"They think the Ninth Promise isn't a symbol."
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"They think it's a person."
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