Chapter 8 - Echoes in the DarkThat evening, a storm rolled over Puget Sound, lashing rain against the tall windows of the mansion.
Eleanor had organized a quiet family dinner in the small dining room to welcome Leo home. Leo sat between Eleanor and Chloe, clutching a silver spoon, staring wide-eyed at the array of food laid out before him.
Julian sat at the head of the table, sipping a dark wine. "So, Leo," Julian said, keeping his tone light and fatherly. "The police will want to talk to us tomorrow just to ask a few questions. Do you remember where you were staying these past few years? Do you remember the man who kept you?"
Leo stopped chewing. His body went rigid, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his spoon.
"Julian, please, don't pressure him," Eleanor whispered gently.
"I'm just trying to help him remember, Eleanor," Julian replied, leaning forward slightly. "Leo, did the man have a name? Did he ever bring you near the docks?"
As Julian reached across the table to pass a serving bowl, the silver buckle of his leather belt caught the light, and his cuff slid back, exposing his heavy wrist.
Leo’s eyes locked onto his father's hand.
A sudden, violent flash of memory hit Leo's mind—a dark storage container by the harbor, the smell of damp oil, and a tall man in a dark coat wearing that exact same heavy silver watch, standing over him while another man handed over a thick envelope of cash.
“Keep the kid hidden, Gideon. The mother is asking too many questions, but the deal is done.”
Leo let out a gasping, terrified cry, knocking his glass over. Water spilled across the table as he scrambled backward out of his chair, falling onto the carpet and pressing himself against the wall, shaking violently.
"Leo!" Eleanor gasped, rushing to her knees beside him.
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"I didn't mean to startle him!" Julian said quickly, standing up with his hands raised. "It was just the thunder outside!"
Chloe stood up on her chair, pointing a small finger at her father. "You scared him! Stop talking to him like that, Dad!"
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