Chapter 30 - The Voice on the Recorder
The muddy footprints led toward a small metal cabinet in the far corner of the hidden room.
Unlike everything else, the cabinet wasn't locked.
Inside were only three items.
A digital voice recorder.
A leather notebook.
And a sealed envelope marked:
FOR ETHAN ONLY
Detective Harris carefully examined the recorder.
"No fingerprints."
"The surface has been wiped clean."
He handed it to the forensic technician.
"Can we safely play it?"
The technician checked the battery.
"It still has charge."
Everyone gathered around.
The play button was pressed.
Static filled the room.
Five long seconds passed.
Then a woman's voice emerged.
Soft.
Calm.
Immediately recognizable.
Ethan's knees nearly gave way.
"Mom..."
The recording continued.
If you're hearing my voice... then I wasn't able to come back.
Dr. Lewis quietly supported Ethan before he lost his balance.
Ethan... I know you'll blame yourself.
Please don't.
None of this was ever your fault.
Tears rolled down Ethan's face.
The detectives remained completely silent.
You always protected Maya.
Now I need you to protect one more thing.
The recording paused briefly.
A loud crash echoed in the background, as though someone had forced open a distant door.
The woman continued speaking faster.
Inside this room is evidence that powerful people have been hiding for years.
Do not trust titles.
Do not trust uniforms.
Some of the people hunting us wear both.
Detective Collins looked instinctively toward Harris.
Neither man spoke.
The recording wasn't finished.
There is only one person still alive who knows the entire truth...
Everyone leaned closer.
The next name could change the entire investigation.
Instead...
The recorder emitted a sharp burst of static.
Then silence.
The file ended.
"No..."
Ethan whispered.
"There has to be more."
The technician checked the device.
"There were two recordings."
"What?"
"The second file is missing."
Someone had deliberately deleted it.
Recently.
May you like
Very recently.
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