Chapter 6 - The Ghost in the Woods
Sophie stared in absolute disbelief at the woman she had only ever seen in old, tragic news clippings.
Claire looked worn and hardened, wearing dark survival gear that blended perfectly with the forest shadows.
"You are supposed to be dead," Sophie whispered, clutching her injured shoulder.
Claire let out a bitter, humorless laugh that echoed softly in the ravine.
"Thomas cut the brake lines on my car five years ago because I refused to sign over my family's inheritance," Claire explained.
She had miraculously survived the crash and chose to fake her own death to escape his wrath.
Claire revealed that she had been living in these woods, secretly gathering evidence to destroy his criminal empire.
"Your brother Daniel found out about the money laundering three years ago," Claire continued, helping Sophie to her feet.
Daniel had tried to expose Thomas, which led to his sudden and violent disappearance.
Claire led Sophie through a hidden, treacherous path deep into the darkest part of the forest.
They finally arrived at a small, abandoned hunting cabin completely camouflaged by thick brush.
The inside of the cabin was filled with radio equipment, maps, and a single battered laptop.
Sophie pulled the USB drive from her pocket and handed it to Claire with a trembling hand.
Claire plugged the drive into the laptop, hoping to find the final piece of evidence needed to contact the FBI.
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The screen flickered to life, but it did not display financial records or emails.
Instead, a live video feed filled the screen, showing Sophie's parents tied to chairs in their own living room.
