Ryan’s dog bursts into the chapel and begins barking at the coffin while Ryan and his family are grieving the loss of Ryan’s father. When the dog becomes attentive, Ryan’s suspicions are aroused. When he opens the coffin and finds it empty, he becomes curious about his father’s true fate.
Ryan sighed as he got out of his car outside the chapel and said, “Bella, stay.”
He stopped to straighten his dark suit on the sidewalk. The experience that awaited him inside those white, wooden doors was more than his heart could handle. How can a son bid his dad farewell? Particularly in these conditions, they were unable to even provide Dad with a traditional funeral, thank God.
Bella’s harsh bark cut through his thoughts. The Malinois was pawing at the back of the driver’s seat when he turned back to his car and scowled. Even though Bella was still quite young, this was not how she usually acted after he had given her a clear directive.
Ryan motioned for her to lie down with his hand, saying, “Bella.” He petted her head through the open window after she immediately obeyed. “Now, Bella, stay.”
Ignoring Bella’s cries, Ryan left and went inside the chapel. The funeral director had discreetly roped off the immediate area with a white ribbon, and the casket was already there, closed. Given that Dad had passed away from a very contagious illness, the doctor advised doing this.
Ryan was really bothered by it all. He grasped his mother’s hand and sat next to her. As he gazed at the coffin, his foot pounded out his agitation against the marble floor, but he had to remain strong for her sake.
At that moment, Father Riley emerged and took the pulpit. We appreciate everyone’s presence today as we say our final goodbyes to Arnold, Ryan’s cherished father and Emily’s husband. Everyone who knew Arnold will miss him terribly; he was a good man.
At the conclusion of the mass, Father Riley told the grieving, “The deceased will now proceed to the crematorium.”
Ryan’s heart wasn’t in it when the mourners stood up to sing the last song. Dad was intended to be buried in the family grave, but because of the circumstances surrounding his death, the doctor recommended cremation.
As the funeral director and his staff made their way to the coffin, Ryan dabbed at the tear that was streaming down his cheek. All of this was incorrect! He never got the opportunity to say goodbye to his father while he was alive, and now he couldn’t even properly say goodbye to him in death. How could he honor his father when he wasn’t even allowed to carry his body from the church?
He strained to contain his emotions and hung his head. The church then reverberated with Bella’s bark.
As his dog leaped up against Dad’s coffin and knocked the ornate arrangement of white flowers to the ground, Ryan looked on in horror and astonishment.
She growled wildly at the coffin, causing her whole body to jerk. She ducked under the bier and snarled at the funeral director, who hurried forward and attempted to push her away.
“Heel, Bella!Ryan strode forward to face the sight of his dog barking at his father’s coffin. “Cease this! Bella, heel. “Heel!” I said.”
Bella gave him an ear prickle but disregarded his order. She sat in her alert position, barked at the coffin again, and then turned to face Ryan.
An ice chill settled in Ryan’s belly, and the hair on the back of his neck rose up. There was a problem. He crossed the white ribbon and went to the coffin. Bella sprinted around the bier and began barking again right away.
“Is this your dog?The director of the funeral yelled at Ryan.
Ryan ignored the man’s question and said, “Open the casket.”
“What? No, sir. Respectfully, we are unable to do that. Specifically, we were told—
“Open the casket, I said!Ryan yelled.
“What are you doing, Ryan?Mother wept behind him.
When Ryan turned around, he saw the shocked expressions of the people who had come to say goodbye to his father. His uncle appeared to be about to blow up, and two of his aunts whispered to each other. However, his mother’s face was the most noticeable, as she gazed at him with heartbroken bewilderment.
Ryan struggled to convey to them that Bella’s strange behavior was an indication that something was up. He had no choice but to demonstrate it to them. Ryan pushed passed the funeral director, opened the casket, and turned away from his stunned family.
Mom who was behind him screamed. His name was called by a few, but as Ryan stared at the white satin that lined his father’s empty coffin, the noise faded into a background hum. He felt a hefty hand touch his shoulder.
Uncle Thomas retreated from Ryan and the coffin, making the sign of the cross. “Ryan, have you lost your—oh my God?” he said. He looked at the director of the funeral.
“What’s happening? Why is there nothing in my brother’s coffin?”
The director of the funeral hurried forward. His mouth fell open, and as if his eyes were deceiving him, he reached into the coffin. There was chaos in the church. Family members in distress hurried forward to inspect the empty coffin. Ryan’s younger cousin erupted in screams.
“Where is Arnold?Mom let out a frantic shriek that reverberated throughout the church, her voice quivering with anguish.
Mom’s knees buckled and her eyes rolled back in her skull as Ryan stared. Before her head could reach the marble floor, he sprang forward and grabbed her.
Mom was carried away from the commotion of the church by Ryan, who lifted her in his arms. Bella was on his side as he shoulderd through the doors. She ran forward and leaped through the open window back into his car.
At the moment, Ryan was more worried about his mother than the strange behavior of his dog. He drove Mom to the hospital after settling her in the passenger seat.
As he continued to walk the sitting room at his mother’s home, Ryan looked at Detective Bradshaw and said, “Yes, you heard me right, the casket was empty.” Something unlawful must be happening here, right?”
Bradshaw, the detective, looked through her notebook. “I can’t say more than that at this time, sir, but it definitely merits study. After speaking with the funeral director, we have no proof that he handled your father’s remains improperly.
“Do you think—I know it sounds crazy—that my dad is still alive and that this whole thing was a huge mistake?Ryan inquired.
Detective Bradshaw went on, “At this time, all we know is that the coroner released the remains to the funeral home and confirmed the cause of death.” As I continue my inquiry, could you please let me know if your father was involved in any activities?”
Ryan came to a complete halt. That specific inquiry was unexpected. He began to question whether the detective had discovered something she was keeping from him.
“No,” he answered. Since I chose to start my own dog training and rehabilitation facility, I haven’t been actively involved in the business, but I don’t see my father doing anything that would jeopardize the company’s or his own reputation. Why are you asking?”
Detective Bradshaw gave him a courteous grin and said, “It’s always better to be thorough.”
He accepted Detective Bradshaw’s business card as she stood up. “Please don’t hesitate to call me if you remember any information that might be pertinent to this investigation, but I’ll be in touch if I discover anything.”
After giving the investigator a nod, Ryan led him to the door. Ryan was certain that something was wrong, even though she was certain about the coroner’s report.
He had personally witnessed the funeral director’s response to the empty coffin, and he was certain that the man was equally as astonished as he was.
Slumping into the couch, he attempted to piece together what had transpired into a coherent sequence of events. Bella placed her head on his lap after getting up from where she had been lying to gnaw on one of her toys.
As he scratched behind her ears, Ryan gazed down into her brown, inquisitive eyes. Her tail drummed on the ground.
“Bella, you’re a good girl.” He said to the dog in a whisper. “How were you aware? Why you would be attentive for an empty casket is nonsensical.”
Naturally, though, Bella was unable to respond even if she so desired. With a groan, Ryan put those queries aside. Pondering Bella’s unusual behavior was pointless when he had to deal with the more pressing issue of his father’s disappearance.
Ryan was going crazy sitting on the couch with his confused thoughts. He fed Bella and let her play in the yard with some of her favorite toys while Mom was in the hospital for the night. Then he started looking for answers.
“What do you mean by the resignation of the coroner?Leaning over to gaze at the nurse on the other side, Ryan put his palms against the counter.
“Sir, what aspect do you find difficult to comprehend?The nurse lost her temper. “Dr. Jeffries was here one day, griping about his wife’s “shopping addiction,” as he liked to call it, and then he left the following day. They told us to retire early.” She sighed quietly.
But what about the recently appointed coroner?”
“There isn’t a new coroner yet, and this is creating a huge backlog.” Okay, sir. Tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll let you know if I can help.”
Ryan sighed, “I want to see my father’s file.” “He was pronounced dead on—”
To interrupt him, the nurse held out her hand. “Releasing the files of deceased patients without the required authorization is against hospital policy.”
“Are you serious? I am his son. I’m entitled to view those files!”
The nurse eyeballed him over the top of her spectacles and said, “You don’t, not without the proper authorization.” “Now, I have a lot of work to do, if that’s okay with you. After you’ve seen the hospital administrator, return.
Ryan took his wallet out. He took out $50 and squeezed it between his fingers, saying, “I don’t want to cause you any more trouble, but I can tell you’re under a lot of strain.” “How about you take a vacation? I’m responsible for it.
After raising an eyebrow at the note, the nurse turned to face him. “Sir, the cost of sandwiches at the hospital cafeteria is $20, and I’m already under more than $50 of stress.” You’ll need to put in far more effort than that.
Ryan was surprised by the nurse’s demeanor, but he remained silent. Rather, he placed $1000 on the counter after counting it out.
As she accepted the money, the nurse grinned and said, “I think I will take that break now.”
Ryan discovered the coroner’s office by following the signs on the walls after the elevator doors closed behind the nurse. The door was not locked. After making sure the hallway was clear of anyone, he crept inside.
To get to the filing cabinets that lined one wall of the little office, Ryan padded gingerly over the worn linoleum floor. He began searching the “K-L” cabinet and soon located the location where his father’s file should be. Nothing was there.
Ryan checked the names again. In case his file had been lost, he then looked under his father’s first name, but nothing was there. The file belonging to his father was gone.
Ryan groaned in frustration and buried his hands in his hair. His search had only given him more questions! He only had a lighter wallet instead of the hint he had hoped to find in his father’s papers.
He remembered the nurse’s comment regarding the abrupt absence of the coroner. He had a gut feeling that the disappearance of his father’s body, his father’s paperwork, and the coroner were not coincidental. All of it was too shaky to put into words.
Then Ryan’s phone rang. When he saw the caller ID, he jerked it out of his pocket and was ready to hang up.
“Mr. Stevens! “Thank you so much for calling,” Ryan added. “I would really benefit from a lawyer’s advice.”
“And I’ll be glad to give it, but Ryan, you have more important things to take care of unless this is an emergency. You now have the duty of managing your father’s business, and I regret to inform you that it won’t be easy.
The throat of Mr. Stevens was cleansed. He went on, “In fact, the sooner we can come up with a plan for damage control, the better.” “Can we meet in fifteen minutes at your father’s office?”
Ryan gave his temple a rub. His life seems to have devolved into a series of catastrophes and unanswerable questions.
“Yes, I will go there immediately,” he replied. This provided him with the perfect chance, if nothing else, to look through Dad’s office for information regarding his disappearance.
While driving to Dad’s workplace, Ryan processed his suspicions and anxieties in his mind. He kept thinking that someone had attempted to hide the fact that his father was still alive. He could only imagine that someone would do that if they planned to demand a ransom to bring him back.
However, that didn’t set well with Ryan, even if it looked like the most likely conclusion. He wanted to find information in Dad’s office that would help him get back on track because he was certain he was missing something.
As Ryan walked into Dad’s office, a wave of nostalgia overcame him. A heavy burden settled in his heart as he rubbed his fingertips across the mahogany desk. It all seemed too much to handle, with the mystery surrounding Dad and Mr. Stevens’s suggestion that the business was having problems.
Ryan had always dreamed of living a peaceful life assisting dogs by properly training puppies and rehabilitating as many abused and stray animals as he could afford to take in. Right then, all he wanted to do was turn away from this unachievable circumstance and go home.
As if he were standing next to him, Dad’s words reverberated in Ryan’s mind: “A man should do what is right, not follow his own selfish interests.”
“You’re correct, Dad,” Ryan muttered. And until I discover what happened to you, I won’t stop.
As the computer booted up, he walked around the desk and settled into Dad’s chair. When he saw that his inbox was empty, he steepled his hands in front of his face and opened Dad’s email, which seemed like the most logical place to start seeking for answers. Every last message had been erased by someone.
“Hey Ryan! Although I wish the situation had been more fortunate, it’s nice to see you again.
Ryan closed the office door and looked up at Mr. Stevens. “This computer has been used by whom?”
Mr. Stevens scowled at it. “No one. Since we learned of your father’s tragic death, this office has been locked.
Ryan buried his face in his palms. He kept running into more puzzles, but all he needed were answers. He saw that something was missing from the family pictures on Dad’s desk.
“Where can I find the dancers?” Ryan gestured at the area where the two vibrant post-modern figurines ought to have been. “Those figurines my dad was so in love with.”
Mr. Stevens answered, “A few weeks prior to his passing, he brought those home.” “Unfortunately for him, Arnold was never able to acquire the third figurine in the set. Is it not unbelievable that the owner of the third dancer would demand at least half a million dollars for it?”
Ryan, meanwhile, was hardly paying attention. Since arriving for the burial, he had searched his parents’ house extensively, but he had not come across the figurines. Without a doubt, Dad hadn’t brought them home.
“Anyway, Ryan, we have important things to talk about.” Mr. Stevens sat down across from Ryan. “I regret to inform you that throughout the last six months, the company has incurred some significant debt. Furthermore, if we want to regain the trust of our investors, we must demonstrate a sincere belief in ourselves.
Why would we have to regain it?Ryan inquired.
Mr. Stevens cleared his throat gently. In the months before his passing, your father missed a number of crucial meetings with investors. A number of smaller participants withdrew completely, and some of the bigger donors have threatened to do the same.
“That sounds nothing like Dad. Why would he skip such crucial meetings?”
Mr. Stevens averted his eyes from Ryan and said, “It all began when his new secretary began working here.” “Please don’t tell Emily what I’m going to tell you. Since it’s only a suspicion, I’d hate to cast a bad light on your father’s memories.
“Mr. Stevens, please just tell me. I promise not to tell my mom.
Mr. Stevens nodded curtly. As you are aware, your father and I collaborated closely to run this business. As a result, I had numerous chances to see him in this office, and I think—with all due respect to him and your family—that he was seeing Miss Pearson, his secretary, romantically.
Ryan’s eyes shifted to the lovely brunette woman sitting at the secretary’s desk outside the office, on the large expanse of glass wall to the right of the entrance. He got up from his seat and strode to the door.
Mr. Stevens moved in front of Ryan and said, “You can’t confront her.” “This business cannot withstand another setback to your father’s reputation.”
Ryan gritted his teeth and gazed through the glass at Miss Pearson. She scowled at him as she looked up.
Mr. Stevens touched Ryan’s arm and said, “Ryan.” “Please keep in mind that this is just a suspicion, even though I know how shocking this news must be. I don’t have any evidence that they were having an affair.
“All right.” Ryan turned and went back to Dad’s desk.
Ryan put a lot of effort into resolving the company’s debt issue for the remainder of the day. He made arrangements for the most important investors to get gift baskets, and he felt exhausted at the end of the day.
He proceeded to the parking lot, got into his vehicle, and bided his time. He saw Miss Pearson coming out of the elevator nearly an hour later. She got into her vehicle and made her way to the exit. Ryan trailed behind.
She pulled into a small suburban house’s garage. Ryan parked close by and took a seat to wait. He wasn’t sure what he was waiting for, but Miss Pearson was the first reliable lead he had received, and he had a gut feeling she would finally provide the answers he needed.
Later, Ryan was awakened by the sound of an engine revving and the buzz of a garage door. The majority of the houses along the street were dark, and night had descended over the suburbs. Except for Miss Pearson, everyone appeared to be asleep.
Watching her reverse out of the garage, Ryan crouched in his seat. She turned onto the street and started toward the city. Ryan got his car started to follow her, but as he looked at her garage, he had a better idea.
He turned off the engine and jumped out of his vehicle. The garage door continued to close. As he sped over the lawn and onto the smooth driveway, his gaze never left it. He sprang toward the closing space between the cement and the garage door’s bottom.
Just in time, Ryan rolled through the narrow hole. He was in complete darkness when the garage door closed behind him. With a sigh of relief, he rested his forehead on the chilly cement. The stench of old motor oil prompted him to stand up a moment later. He navigated the wall by feeling till he came to the doorway that led to the house.
Ryan entered Miss Pearson’s house on tiptoe. Initially, he located the kitchen and looked through the drawers until he discovered a flashlight. He didn’t want to switch on any lights in case she unexpectedly returned home. Then he went down the corridor.
Ryan’s flashlight panned across Miss Pearson’s bedroom, and a spark of rage erupted in his chest. On the nightstand was a framed picture of Dad smiling at the camera while his arms were encircling Miss Pearson’s waist. Another featured them at a gathering, dancing together.
In front of the family’s Barbados timeshare, Dad and Miss Pearson were seen sharing a kiss on the beach in the worst photo of all. Ryan’s heart fell like a lead lump. It was obvious that Dad had been having an affair with Miss Pearson.
The anguish on Mom’s face at the funeral was all Ryan could think about. How could Dad have cheated on her by seeing someone else? Regarding Miss Pearson, Ryan grabbed the picture from the bedside table and pulled his arm back to hurl it against the wall.
However, this was neither the place nor the time to express his rage. He put the picture down and pulled open the drawer on the nightstand. When he found nothing helpful there, he carried on looking.
As time passed, Ryan’s anxiety began to overwhelm him. He was shocked by every groan and creak of the home shifting, and every time he heard a car drive by on the street, his heart went into overdrive. Each time a curtain fluttered in the wind, it became a dark person.
Ryan looked all throughout the house but couldn’t find anything. Before Miss Pearson came back, he was about to quit up and leave when he saw a drawer in the coffee table that was slightly recessed. He opened it. When he saw that the drawer was full of papers, a smile came to his face.
Ryan opened a manila envelope and discovered just what he needed. He scowled as he perused the life insurance papers in the envelope while seated on the couch. Dad had a rule about it! Miss Pearson was the only recipient of the $7 million he had paid for his life insurance!
After jumping to his feet, Ryan put the A4 envelope in his pocket after folding it. Time to leave this place. He ducked into the garage after putting the flashlight back in the kitchen drawer. He drove to the police station after escaping the house.
After an hour, Ryan walked confidently into Detective Bradshaw’s office and placed the insurance paperwork on her desk.
He said that his father was having an affair with his secretary. “And he made her the only beneficiary of a substantial life insurance policy that he had taken out.”
Detective Bradshaw nodded after looking over the papers. “I’ll see what else I can learn about this Pearson woman. This is pretty compelling.”
While waiting for Detective Bradshaw to learn something valuable about Miss Pearson, Ryan haunted the police station. Ryan couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was going to happen, even if the detective tried to persuade him to return home. He was correct.
He was sitting close to the front desk, watching an officer handle a small complaint, when he saw Detective Bradshaw enter the room with a number of other police officers following her.
“Have you discovered anything?Ryan got up and walked up to the detective.
Detective Bradshaw answered as she walked on, “Miss Pearson has a reservation on a flight to Morocco that departs in an hour and a half.” We must bring her in for interrogation prior to her boarding that aircraft since the United States and the Moroccan authorities do not have an extradition treaty. To stop her, we’re on our way to the airport.
When the gang exploded into the parking lot, police officers began making their way to their vehicles.
“I’ll accompany you,” Ryan declared.
As she pulled open the driver’s door of her dark, unmarked automobile, Detective Bradshaw gave him a quick peek over her shoulder. “I know you’re worried, but I just can’t let that happen because you’re a civilian.”
But Ryan couldn’t just follow the detective without question since there was too much on the line. He quickly got into his car and went to the airport with the police.
As the small contingent of police officers dashed through the airport, Ryan trailed behind, leaving stunned passengers in their wake.
“Police!As they came to a boarding gate, Detective Bradshaw shouted. “Permit us to pass!”
They moved on to the boarding area when Ryan managed to blend in with the group and evade the airport security guards. The officers dispersed right away and began inspecting the passengers.
“You’re there! The woman with the white top and dark hair! Detective Bradshaw said, “Get out of line and put your hands up in the air.
The woman was ready to cross the passenger boarding bridge when the other officers turned and aimed their guns at her. She stood by herself as the other people in the line backed off. She looked back, her long brown hair sliding across her back.
Ryan burst out laughing because he was so glad they had caught Miss Pearson in time. He was delighted to see her drop her carry-on bag and lift her hands. Detective Bradshaw hurried over to put her in handcuffs.
However, when the police turned the woman to lead her away, Ryan’s smile vanished.
“That isn’t her!Ryan pushed by the policemen and went up to the detective. “Miss Pearson is not here.”
I told you to keep out of this, didn’t I?Detective Bradshaw lost his temper. Then she looked over to another cop. Examine the aircraft, the other travelers, and the manifesto of the passengers! Perhaps the original Miss Pearson is still alive.
However, it became evident a few hours later that the plane ticket was nothing more than a sophisticated hoax. Ryan dropped his head in his hands and sank into a chair in the airport lounge. The one connection he had to his father’s absence had now vanished. He had to start over.
No, he had a lot more information at his disposal than he had in the beginning. In addition to the missing body, coroner, and coroner’s report, there was the affair and the life insurance policy. And Ryan was positive his Dad was still alive, even though he had no means of knowing.
He had gone through Mom’s house once more, and the two vibrant figurines of dancers were unquestionably missing. There was nothing else lacking. Dad must have brought the figurines with him wherever he was at the time.
Leaning back, Ryan scowled at the display at the nearby duty-free gift shop. Knowing that the only items Dad had deemed significant enough to bring with him were a few sculptures was extremely offensive.
Something came to Ryan’s mind. As he rushed out of the airport, he took out his phone and furiously searched the internet.
Ryan gazed at the eight-inch-tall sculpture that was secured beneath an old display cabinet’s glass. The artist created her, like the other figures in the collection, by melting various colored plastics and shaping them into a multicolored, gracefully flowing figurine of a dancing woman.
Ryan didn’t remember the artist’s remark that this set was a statement about the incapacity to be genuinely happy in a world where there are numerous climatic crises. He thought it was all word salad, but his father had loved the two pieces he had bought.
“How much will it cost you?Ryan inquired.
He turned to Mr. Frederick, the collector who had set an outrageous price for his figurine, thus thwarting his father’s ambition to complete the collection. The man gave a wolf-like smile.
“$750 000,” he said in response.
Ryan combed his hair with his fingers. “Sir, that is a very high price, well over the going rate for this artist’s work.”
Mr. Frederick gave a shrug. “Then don’t purchase it. I don’t really care, young man, but you’ll have to pay the amount I’m asking if you want it. It cannot be negotiated.
Ryan gave a nod. “All right, I’ll accept it, but I need some time to get the money.”
Sitting in his car, Ryan thought about what he could do. He wasn’t as wealthy as his father, but he still required that figurine. The majority of his funds were spent for the rehabilitation facility and the care of the dogs kept there. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were just not in his possession. Or did he?
He checked the NASDAQ website on his phone. He then gave Mr. Stevens a call.
I have to sell my firm shares for $750,000, and I have to do it quickly. Is it possible for you to do that?Ryan inquired.
“Are you feeling insane?Mr. Stevens lost his temper. Since we revealed the news of your father’s passing, our share price has decreased. You will lose control of the business if you sell a large number of shares.
Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose and said, “I know, Mr. Stevens, but this is urgent.” “Hey, there are many more significant issues at play here than business. If I’m correct, I should be able to purchase back those shares within a week, but I need the money right away.
Mr. Stevens remained silent for a while. Ryan let the stillness linger while crossing his fingers.
As a significant stakeholder and the company’s legal counsel, Mr. Stevens finally said calmly, “I feel like it would be wise for me to refrain from questioning why you need so much money at such short notice, Ryan.”
But as a longstanding family friend, Mr. Stevens went on, “I have to know if this has anything to do with the suspicion I expressed to you regarding Miss Pearson.”
“Yes, in a sense of speaking,” Ryan answered.
Mr. Stevens let out a sigh. Additionally, she has vanished—she failed to show up for work today, and her phone number is no longer active. I’ll get you the money—it’s better if you don’t ask me for the specifics—and send it your way right away.
I’m grateful, Mr. Stevens.”
After hanging up, Ryan stared at his phone for the next thirty minutes. He hurried back inside to talk to Mr. Frederick as soon as he got the notification that the money was in his account.
“I have your money,” Ryan said.
Mr. Frederick scowled. Ryan interrupted him as he grumbled something about how the figurine was the sole component of the set that was available and therefore worth more than he was asking for.
“I’m granting you the $750 000 you requested, sir, with immediate effect. I took you at your word when you stated that the price was non-negotiable. Are you not a man of your word, Mr. Frederick?”
Mr. Frederick’s expression changed as he gazed at the figurine in the display cabinet. He pursed his lips and took a pair of keys out of his pocket.
“I keep my promise. He took out the figurine and handed it to Ryan, saying, “Take it here.” I’ll provide you with the information to send the funds.
As Ryan carried the figurine back to his car, a sense of relief swept over him. He had to arrange the trap now that he had the necessary bait.
Before heading back to Mom’s place, Ryan made a brief stop and contacted a few individuals from his car. Bella wagged her tail to meet him at the door. He approached her to scratch her after she sat and gazed at him.
Ryan, where in the world have you been?Mom showed up on the other side of the hallway. When I go home from the hospital, the house is deserted, and poor Bella is incredibly bored. We should be spending time together as a family during this time, yet you’re constantly out. I can’t keep your dog occupied enough, and I haven’t seen you much since the funeral. Your dog misses you.
Ryan hurried to Mom’s side as she started crying. He embraced her and gave her a back rub.
“I apologize, Mom,” he whispered. “Just have faith that the work I’ve been doing is crucial. Additionally, it will end very soon.
Through his shades, Ryan observed the throng as he stood behind a pillar close to the rear of the main bidding area of the auction house. The next item up for bid was the figurine he had purchased. The podium was brought to the front, and he looked at it.
When the bidding began, paddles flashed from all across the crowd. The number of participants decreased to two as the cost increased. Ryan looked at them carefully. One was a tall, white-haired man in a navy suit, the other was an overweight man with a big nose. His father was none of them.
As he considered the likelihood that his plan had failed, Ryan shifted uneasily. He was unable to comprehend it. To make sure his father, wherever he might be, would be aware that the figurine was up for auction today, he had personally paid for multiple advertisements and insisted on anonymity.
“$600,000 is up for grabs,” the auctioneer announced.
Ryan’s heart fell even further. In addition to losing his bait and missing the opportunity to locate his father, he would also suffer a significant loss on the figurine.
“I’m going twice.”
One million dollars!”
The sound of his father’s voice gave Ryan chills. He watched in disbelief as his father got up from a chair close to the rear of the auction room and took off his broad-brimmed hat. There was no mistake his brilliant brown eyes, the dimple in his face, or that friendly smile. He was correct—Dad was still alive!
One million dollars is being sold to the man with the beige coat, and it’s going twice!The gavel was pounded by the auctioneer.
Dad quickly put his hat back on and made his way to the door. Ryan hurried around the room’s perimeter. His father reached for the door, but he blocked it with his outstretched arms.
Ryan growled as he looked directly into his father’s face, “I can’t believe you did this to me and Mom.”
“Ryan?Dad’s mouth fell open. “Why are you in this place? How—
“Mr. You are being arrested for fraud, Kingsley.” Detective Bradshaw moved forward and touched Dad’s arm. While handcuffing him, she read him his rights.
Dad scowled at Ryan and said, “You.” “You deceived me! It was a trap.
“Oh, Dad, don’t act like I’ve betrayed you in some way! It was you who cheated on your partner and staged your own murder to escape with her! How were you able to?”
Dad’s head hung. All I wanted to do after falling in love was be with Nicky. I was over the stress of dealing with business issues and constantly needing to have a flawless conversation with investors. I’ve put forth a lot of effort! I’m worthy of some time to unwind. I could only accomplish things in this manner.
We all gathered around an empty coffin to grieve you after you bribed the coroner to fabricate your death certificate and cause of death, and you took out a sizable sum of money in life insurance for your new life!”
Ryan took hold of Dad’s shirt front. Detective Bradshaw shoved him back when he tried to pull his fist back.
Even while I can appreciate your urge to strike him, sir, you can be sure that your father’s recent confession will be sufficient to guarantee that justice is done. Furthermore, we will eventually apprehend his collaborator.
Ryan exhaled deeply and gave Dad a direct look. “You taught me, Dad, that a man should act morally rather than in his own self-interest. I’m sorry you were unable to live up to your own values, but I hope you understand that this is what ultimately brought you to ruin.
Ryan pulled the door open and looked away. “Detective Bradshaw, you can take him away now.” “I doubt I can endure being around him for even a moment longer.”
