Chapter 10 - The Shot That Missed
Samuel fired again.
The bullet struck the violin case and sent two tapes spinning across the platform.
Arthur crawled behind a bench.
“Samuel!” Daniel shouted. “Stop!”
Samuel lowered the gun slightly.
“Move away from him.”
Daniel stood between the two brothers.
“He says you set up the studio fire.”
Arthur laughed from behind the bench.
“He says many things when he is afraid.”
Samuel’s face was pale and exhausted. Blood had dried along his temple, just as it had in the photograph sent earlier.
“Arthur planned everything,” Samuel said. “The fire, the contracts, Lydia’s disappearance from the music world.”
Victor shouted, “Lydia never disappeared. She ran because of you.”
Samuel’s eyes moved toward him.
“You still believe what Arthur told you?”
The train rushed into the station, brakes screaming.
Wind tore through the platform and scattered loose papers.
Daniel saw Tape Seven rolling toward the edge.
He lunged and caught it moments before it fell beneath the train.
When he looked up, Arthur had moved.
He was standing behind Eleanor with one arm around her neck and a small blade pressed against her side.
“Give me the key,” Arthur said.
Samuel raised the pistol.
“You won’t leave this station.”
Arthur pulled Eleanor closer.
“You already tried to kill me eighteen years ago.”
Daniel looked at Samuel.
The accusation landed heavily.
Samuel did not deny it.
Victor whispered, “So it’s true.”
Samuel’s hand trembled.
“I tried to stop him.”
Arthur smiled.
“You locked the Winter Room from the outside and lit the staircase.”
Daniel felt the world narrow around him.
“Who was inside?”
Arthur’s eyes shifted toward him.
“Lydia.”
Samuel fired.
The bullet struck the pillar inches from Arthur’s head.
Eleanor twisted suddenly and drove her heel down onto Arthur’s foot. He released her just long enough for Victor to pull her away.
Arthur turned and ran toward the open train doors.
Daniel chased him.
They reached the final carriage together.
Arthur jumped inside.
Daniel grabbed his coat but lost his grip as the doors began closing.
Arthur held up Tape Eighteen through the window.
“Your mother is still alive.”
The train pulled away.
Daniel stood frozen on the platform.
Samuel lowered the pistol.
Victor stared after the departing carriage.
Eleanor whispered, “Lydia died eleven months ago.”
Daniel turned toward Samuel.
Samuel’s expression had changed.
Not shock.
May you like
Recognition.
“He knows where the real Lydia is,” Samuel said.
