For years, David had been one of the few people he trusted without hesitation. He had helped uncover the original complaints, found the suppressed emails, and stood beside Marcus when the investigation became dangerous.
But trust was exactly what made the situation so complicated.
“David,” Marcus said carefully, “did you ever work with Mayor Caldwell before this investigation?”
David frowned.
“Of course. I was in the city attorney's office for years. I've attended meetings with him, reviewed contracts, and represented the city in legal matters.”
“Did you ever have contact with Thomas Reed?”
“No. Why?”
“Did you know a doctor named Alan Pierce?”
David shook his head.
“No.”
Marcus nodded.
Elena approached.
“We're going to divide the evidence. No single person will have access to every location, witness, or document. We'll also change the communication procedures.”
“Are you suggesting one of our people is compromised?” Daniel asked.
“I'm suggesting we can no longer assume that everyone with access to this investigation is trustworthy.”
She turned to Marcus.
“I want the name Pierce gave you.”
Marcus glanced at Rebecca.
She had been listening.
“Is someone helping the mayor?” she asked.
Marcus walked over to her.
“We don't know yet.”
“But you think someone is.”
“I think we need to be careful.”
Rebecca looked down at the photograph of her father.
“Every time we get close to the truth, someone tries to take it away.”
Marcus sat beside her.
“Not this time.”
He hoped he was right.
The call from Dr. Pierce had ended, but Marcus's phone still displayed the unfamiliar number.
He tried calling back.
The number was no longer available.
Elena instructed Daniel to request a trace through the appropriate legal channels. She also ordered an immediate review of every communication connected to the investigation.
Within an hour, they discovered something troubling.
The call had originated from a prepaid phone registered in a neighboring state. The device had been activated only two days earlier and had not been used to contact anyone else.
That suggested Pierce had deliberately avoided ordinary communication.
But there was another detail.
The call had lasted just over three minutes.
During that time, Pierce had given Marcus the name of the facility, described the transfer, and identified someone connected to their investigation.
He had said enough to create suspicion.
Not enough to prove anything.
“Could he have been lying?” David asked.
Elena nodded.
“Absolutely.”
“Then why should we trust him?”
“We shouldn't trust him blindly. We should verify everything he told us.”
Marcus looked at the map Daniel had placed on the table.
Cedar Ridge was located outside Fairmont, several hours from Brookhaven. The facility had operated under different names over the years. Its ownership records were complicated, involving a charitable foundation and several private medical companies.
One company appeared repeatedly.
Northbridge Medical Holdings.
Marcus recognized the name.
“That's connected to Caldwell Urban Holdings.”
Daniel nodded.
“Not directly on paper. But both companies used the same registered agent, and both received financing from a private investment group that contributed to the mayor's campaign.”
Elena pointed at the map.
“Tomorrow morning, we'll request the relevant records and coordinate with authorities in Fairmont. Nobody travels there alone.”
Rebecca stood.
“I want to go.”
“No,” Elena replied.
Rebecca's expression hardened.
“It's my father.”
“I understand.”
“Then you understand why I need to be there.”
Elena softened her voice.
“Rebecca, if Thomas is alive, the first priority will be making sure he's safe. We don't know whether he remembers you, whether he can communicate, or whether the facility is still operating. We may need medical professionals and a carefully planned approach.”
Rebecca looked toward Patricia.
Her mother took her hand.
“We'll get answers, sweetheart. But we have to do this safely.”
Rebecca reluctantly nodded.
Marcus looked at Elena.
“I'm going with the team.”
Elena considered it.
“You can accompany us as an independent legal observer, but you will follow the investigators' instructions.”
“Agreed.”
David closed his folder.
“I'm coming too.”
Marcus looked at him.
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I need you to stay here and review the original transfer records. If the information is accurate, we need to know who signed the authorization.”
David looked disappointed.
Then he nodded.
“Fine. But keep me informed.”
Marcus agreed.
Neither man noticed that someone standing outside the conference room had heard the entire conversation.
At 1:20 a.m., David Reynolds returned to his apartment.
He lived alone in a modest building overlooking a quiet residential street. He placed his briefcase on the kitchen table, removed his jacket, and poured himself a glass of water.