Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 60576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 303(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 303(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
I have never experienced something so beautiful in all my life.
To think I lived so close to this and never once entered is almost a crime.
I have no idea what exactly I’m looking for, the small clue left doesn’t really give much indication as to what I’m searching for, but I’m determined to find out. I begin by searching any books about truth, lies, or secrets, but find nothing. I then move onto the crime section, but once again, I find nothing.
Frustrated, I sit down and think about the box I found at the river.
My mind goes to the dog tag, and I wonder if those initials mean something? Maybe they are a call number for a book? Jumping to my feet, I move to the W section and begin reading the spines of the books, until I finally come across one that matches. With anxious hands, I pull it out and read the front. The title of the book is Shadow.
My skin prickles as I open the book and a photo falls to the ground.
Reaching down, I pick it up and stare at it, my eyes widening.
In the picture, there are three people. One is my father, and beside him are two young teens, maybe fifteen. It’s hard to see clear details of their faces, as the picture has been poorly printed, but there is no doubt in my mind that is my father. So, who are the two boys? My mind spins with the possibilities. Does my father have more kids? Another family? Is that who is doing all of this?
It's the only thing that makes sense.
I flip the photo over, and on the back there is another saying. Bound by loyalty, divided by choice.
What the hell does that mean?
I flip the photo over again, but there is nothing else written. Putting the photo into my pocket, I flick through the book and notice something. It is about an old wharf in the local area, and how a man built it from the ground up with nothing more than the dull light that created enough shadow for him to create his masterpiece.
I know the place; it’s old and many people go to visit it, because of the beauty of its creation.
It’s mostly a landmark, something people come to admire, but I’m guessing it is also where I will find the next clue.
Whoever is doing this is enjoying the game.
I will keep playing, because I need answers.
Even if I have to risk my life to get them.
“I’M GOING TO SEE HIM.”
Saying the words out loud don’t make my revelation any easier.
That revelation being that the only person who can give me answers about my mother ... is my father.
It wasn’t something I came to easily, in fact, it is something I have been trying to avoid since the day I came back here. I hoped that I could find my answers without him, but the truth is, I can’t. He is the only person who can tell me what I need to know, he is also the last person in the world I would ever want to see.
The very thought of going in there makes me sick to my stomach.
“That’s a big decision.”
Jace is the only person I trust enough to tell this truth to, and I hope I’m making the right choice in telling him.
“Tell me about it,” I say, softly, staring down at the untouched cup of coffee. “But I don’t think there is any other way for me to find what I need. Harry can’t reopen the investigation into my mother’s death and I just ... I need to know, Jace.”
“I’m not saying you’re wrong, believe me. I would want to know, too. I’m more concerned about your feelings surrounding it. That is something that could be very confronting. You haven’t seen him since the day he got arrested, and you haven’t spoken to him, either.”
I swallow. “I know.”
Reaching across the table, Jace takes my hand. “If you need someone with you, I’ll come.”
My heart warms at his kindness, and I’m immediately overcome with guilt for not being as good to him as I should have. He’s been so decent to me, and I’ve been tangled up obsessing over someone who doesn’t even want me. Now that’s clear, I’m horrified by it. I don’t know what got into me, or what it is about Wolfe that caught me, but I know now that it’s best if I keep my distance.
I can’t hide forever, I know that.
I stayed in a hotel last night, but I need to go back, to get my things and face the music.
I needed to make a choice first, and now that I’ve made that choice, I have to take the next step.
“Thank you.” I smile at Jace. “You’re a good person. I don’t know why you stick it out with me, but I appreciate you all the same.”