“Michael.”
He took a slow breath.
“Rachel, some truths won’t bring anyone back.”
I stared at the sleeping boy on the couch.
“One already has.”
Then I ended the call.
***
The memory card from marker seventeen contained several recordings.
Some showed delivery trucks arriving at the cabin.
Others showed Aaron exchanging documents with two men.
But the final recording was different.
It had been captured from inside Ben’s truck.
The date was the afternoon before he disappeared.
Ben sat behind the steering wheel.
He looked exhausted.
His hair was disheveled.
His hands trembled as he adjusted the camera.
Then he spoke.
“Rachel, if you’re seeing this, I’m sorry.”
My eyes filled instantly.
His voice.
Five years.
Five years since I’d heard him say my name.
“I found out who’s been using the cabin.”
He swallowed.
“I thought it was Aaron. Then I discovered someone else was involved.”
My heart pounded.
