"What's inside? " we the boy asked his eyes wide with anticipation. "Let's find out. " The container was sealed with a combination lock, but the numbers were already set to the correct sequence. 51067, which Ethan recognized as James' birth date from Thomas's journal. Inside, they found several items protected in waterproof wrapping, a thick envelope of documents, a small notebook, and a metal case. The documents proved to be financial records meticulously organized and annotated in Thomas's distinctive handwriting.
They detailed years of suspicious transactions, funds moved through shell companies, assets stripped from Blackwell Steel and diverted to offshore accounts controlled by William Grant. This is the evidence Thomas collected against William. Ethan realized proof that Grant was embezzling from the company, not Thomas. The notebook contained additional observations and notes, including records of conversations Thomas had secretly recorded between William and various co-conspirators. Most damning of all was a transcript of William admitting to a colleague that he had manufactured evidence against Thomas to force him out of the company.
He was planning to take this to the authorities, Ethan told Noah, but he disappeared before he could because William found out. Probably Thomas must have realized he was in danger and went into hiding. But made sure the evidence would be found someday by someone who could use it. The metal case was the most surprising find. It contained bearer bonds and financial instruments, carefully preserved and still valid, along with bank documentation for accounts in Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.
A note in Thomas's handwriting explained that he had liquidated his legitimate assets before disappearing, converting them to forms that couldn't be traced or seized. These bonds alone are worth millions, Ethan said, stunned by the implications. And the accounts, if they've been acrewing interested all these years. Are we rich? Noah asked, his eyes wide.
It looks that way, Ethan admitted. But this is about more than money, Noah. It's about clearing Thomas's name and exposing the truth about what happened to Blackwell Steel in this town. As they carefully repacked the container, a noise from the direction of the house caught their attention. Looking up, they saw a figure moving along the garden path.
Alexander Reed, his suit in congruous against the overgrown vegetation, heading directly toward them. How did he know? Noah whispered. He must have been watching the house, Ethan realized. Saw us heading toward the river.
What do we do? Ethan handed the container to Noah. Take this back to the house through the woods. Go straight to Sheriff Davis in town if I'm not back in an hour. But Dad, no arguments, Noah.
This is too important. Reluctantly, Noah took the container and disappeared into the trees lining the riverbank just as Reed approached the stone outcropping. "Mr. Brooks," Reed called, his voice carrying across the water. "Doing some exploring? " "Just checking the property boundaries," Ethan replied, waiting back across the shallow river.
Didn't expect to see you again so soon. Reed's eyes narrowed, scanning the area with obvious suspicion. Where's your son? Went back to the house for lunch. What can I help you with, Mr.