Chapter 3 - The Buried Truth
Daniel stared at the faded newspaper clipping in absolute, horrifying disbelief.
His father had always told them that their mother died of a sudden, severe heart condition while staying at a hospital in the city.
The article clearly stated she had been found frozen to death, miles away from any road, with no vehicle in sight.
Emma leaned over his shoulder, reading the words slowly, her small face crumpling into profound sadness.
“Daddy lied to us about Mommy?” Emma whispered, her voice trembling.
Elias knelt down beside them, tossing another heavy log onto the roaring fire.
“Your mother didn’t wander out here by accident, Daniel. Someone brought her here, just like Vera brought you,” Elias explained grimly.
He revealed that he had been the ranger who found Elena's body two years ago.
He had strongly suspected foul play, noting that her expensive winter boots were completely missing, ensuring she could not walk out of the taiga alive.
But when Elias brought his suspicions to the local police, the investigation was abruptly and inexplicably shut down.
“Your father is a very wealthy and powerful man. He paid off the local authorities to rule it a tragic exposure accident,” Elias said.
Daniel’s mind raced frantically, trying to connect the terrifying dots.
If his father murdered his mother, why would he wait two entire years to bring his children out to the same forest?
Suddenly, a loud, heavy pounding echoed against the cabin’s wooden door.
“Elias, open the door! I know you have my children!” Richard’s voice screamed from outside.
Daniel froze in sheer terror. His father had tracked their footprints through the fresh snow.
Elias stood up, grabbing his hunting rifle and chambering a round with a loud, metallic click.
“Stay away from the windows, and do not make a sound,” Elias ordered quietly.
Elias approached the door, keeping his weapon raised and ready.
Before he could speak, the heavy wooden door was violently kicked open, splintering the frame inward.
Three men in dark tactical gear stormed into the cabin, leveling assault rifles directly at Elias’s chest.
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Richard walked in slowly behind them, holding the black iron flashlight.
“Thank you for keeping them warm, Elias. But their trust fund expires at midnight, and I really need them to suffer a tragic accident before then,” Richard smiled coldly.
