Chapter 8 Ancient Echoes

Ancient Echoes Weeks after the court triumph had been a frenzy of changes. As they became parents, Charlotte and Jacks showered their daughter Lily with affection and attention. A shadow, though, persisted in its disquiet. They were constantly reminded that the struggle was far from done by Lucy's threats. Jacks got a call one evening as the sun was setting and long shadows were coming across their living room. That came from their private investigator, Mr. Thompson. Jacks, we have to get together. You have to look at this. Heart thumped in Jacks. Who is it? Not over the telephone. Come see me at the Fifth Street old warehouse. Not tonight. With a rushing mind, Jacks hung up. He looked to Charlotte, who was on the ground playing with Lily. I must go for a short while. Mr. Thompson has a crucial item. Charlotte raised her head, worry clearly visible. “Watch out, Jacks.” The air heavy with the scent of dust and death, the warehouse was dark and unsettling. Jacks saw Mr. Thompson standing with a sombre expression by a stack of containers. About what is this? Trying not to stutter, Jacks asked. Handing him a folder was Mr. Thompson. "I have been researching Lucy's background more thoroughly. More dangerous than we had imagined is her. Opening the folder, Jacks peered through the papers and images. It included a comprehensive account of Lucy's theft, fraud, and blackmailing. One document did, however, jump out. Ten years ago, a police report described the unexplained disappearance of Robert Matthews. “Who is this?” With almost a whisper, Jacks asked. “The former partner of Lucy,” Mr. Thompson said. He disappeared overnight. There are stories that he had proof that would have kept Lucy behind bars for a very long time. But he vanished before he could report the incident to the police.” A chill scuttled Jacks' back. You believe she was involved in it? Mr Thompson gave a nod. The possibility exists. She is a vicious woman, Jacks. Nothing will stop her from obtaining her desires. Jacks shut the filer, his thoughts racing. We have to learn what became of Robert. Lucy is even more deadly than we previously believed if she is capable of this. As Jacks drove home, his mind was a tornado of thoughts and anxieties. He knew they had to protect Lily at all costs, but the more they found about Lucy, the more dangerous she seemed. When he reached home, Charlotte was waiting for him, her face pale with fear. Mr. Thompson said what? Jacks gave her the file folder. Then we should talk. As Charlotte skimmed over the papers, her eyes grew. “This is serious, Jacks. We must proceed with caution. . They got again with Mr. Harris the next day to go over their results. “We need to use this information carefully,” Mr. Harris said. “If we go to the authorities, we need solid evidence that links Lucy to Robert’s disappearance.” Charlotte nodded. “We need to find someone who knows more about what happened.” Mr. Thompson had already started following down Robert’s old associates, but leads were few. Lucy's anger had most others too afraid to speak. But one name kept coming up: Vanessa Hart, a former acquaintance of Robert’s who had distanced herself from Lucy years before. They traced Vanessa down to a little village a few hours away. Her manner softened as they described their circumstances, but she was first reluctant to speak. Voice quivering, Vanessa continued, "I've been waiting for this day." Knowing what Lucy can do, I have spent years living in terror. The man Robert was decent. She reached him before he could reveal her. Leaning forward was Charlotte. How come you know what became of him? Tears down her cheeks, Vanessa nodded. All the proof he had acquired was in a safe deposit box. Lucy learned, and he vanished. She was probably involved in it. How far is the safe deposit box? Jacks questioned quite forcefully. That's at the First National Bank, Vanessa said. My key is with me. I had kept it a secret for all these years. Hearts hammering, they got the key and headed to the bank. Within the box was a veritable gold mine of records, pictures, and other materials that all described Lucy's illicit actions. Charlotte received a text message on her phone as they were leaving the bank. That number was unknown. Think you've prevailed, do you? Revise your thinking. Charlotte shook hands as she gave Jacks the message. “She is aware.” A long breath was taken by Jacks. This has to be reported to the authorities. Our one opportunity to stop her is now. They went right to the police, explaining everything and turning over the proof. The cops paid close attention, seriousness on their features increasing with every second. "We'll get right on an investigation," the chief detective declared. This would be plenty to lock her up for a very long time. Jacks, though, was plagued by the impression that they were being watched as they exited the police station. Nothing caught his eye as he looked over his shoulder. The discomfort persisted, though. A damaged window and a letter stuck to a brick were in the living room. “This is just the beginning,” it said. Charlotte walked up beside him, terror on her pale face. "What are we to do, Jack?" Mind racing, Jacks threw his arms around her. We maintain vigilance. Our guard is never relaxed. This far, we have not wavered, and we will not now. Days after it were tense. They employed a private security company to guard the residence and put in surveillance cameras. It never went away, though, that they felt watched. Lily was being put to bed one evening when the doorbell rang. Jacks went, heart in his throat, to answer it. A delivery guy carrying a parcel stood on the porch. Presenting the gift, he stated, "Delivery for Mr. and Mrs. Walker." Jacks took it with shaking hands. His blood froze as he opened it. One photo of Lily, shot outside their home, was inside. 'She's watching us,' Charlotte said in a terrified whisper. Jacks closed his hands in fists. Her victory is not something we can allow. Lily needs us to be resilient. They sat next to one other in the living room that evening. Though the darkness outside appeared to be pressing in on them, inside they were a stronghold, bonded by their will to keep their daughter safe. They understood, though, that the fight was far from prepared they dozed off. There she stood, waiting to strike in the shadows. And now they would be prepared.