Eighteen Lost Years
Chapter 11 - Eighteen Lost Years
Adrian crossed the room.
Ethan stepped backward.
"Don't."
The word stopped him.
Adrian stared at the brother he had mourned.
"I thought you were dead."
"I know."
"I held your funeral."
"I know."
"I searched for you."
Ethan lowered the gun.
"I know that now."
Adrian's voice broke.
"Why didn't you come home?"
Rachel closed her eyes.
The question she had warned him not to ask.
Ethan sat on the bed.
"Because I was ashamed."
Adrian said nothing.
Ethan explained.
Victor had found him during rehabilitation after the military accident.
He convinced Ethan that Adrian had stolen their inheritance.
That Adrian had used the accident to declare him dead.
That returning home would put him in danger.
For years, Ethan believed him.
Then he discovered the documents were forged.
But by then, Ethan had become involved in illegal work for Victor.
Moving money.
Carrying documents.
Helping hide transactions.
"I thought I was fighting you," Ethan said.
"But I was helping him."
Adrian sat beside him.
"You were manipulated."
"I still did it."
Noah stepped forward.
"Dad?"
Ethan's face collapsed.
He dropped to his knees.
Noah did not immediately hug him.
Eight years of absence stood between them.
Ethan whispered:
"I'm sorry."
Noah looked at Rachel.
Then back at his father.
"Are you going to disappear again?"
Ethan began sobbing.
"No."
The answer came too fast.
Too desperate.
Then a sound came from outside.
A car door.
Ethan's expression changed instantly.
He grabbed the gun.
"They found us."
Adrian looked through the window.
May you like
Three vehicles were approaching the cabin.
At the front of them sat Victor Hale.
