Reed? Reed stepped closer, his usually immaculate appearance slightly disheveled from the walk through the overgrown gardens. I've been thinking about our conversation. There's something I should show you. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a folded document.
This is a copy of the police report filed when Thomas Blackwell disappeared. Note the investigating officer's conclusions about evidence of financial impropriy. Ethan glanced at the report, which did indeed suggest that Thomas had been involved in questionable financial dealings. Reports can be influenced by who's providing the information, he observed, especially when one party has disappeared and can't defend himself. Reed's expression hardened.
You really believe Thomas Blackwell was some kind of saint, don't you? That William Grant was the villain in this story? I think the truth is probably complicated, Ethan replied carefully. But I've seen evidence that contradicts the official narrative. What evidence?
Reed demanded, his voice suddenly sharp. Historical records, Thomas's personal papers, things that paint a different picture of what happened in B7. Reed's eyes darted to the stone outcropping, then back to Ethan. You found something here, didn't you? Something Thomas hid.
Ethan remained silent, weighing his options. Reed was clearly agitated, potentially dangerous, and Ethan needed to buy time for Noah to reach safety with the container. I don't know what you think Thomas Blackwell left behind, Reed continued, his composure slipping further. But whatever it is, it's based on lies. The man was a fraud, a thief, and a home wrecker.
You mean because of his relationship with Sophia? Ethan asked quietly. Reed's face flushed with anger. You know about that, too? Their affair destroyed my family.
It drove my mother to suicide. Thomas Blackwell took everything from us, the company, our reputation, our future. William Grant wasn't your biological father, was he? Ethan asked, the realization dawning. He adopted you when he married your mother.
You were never a Grant by blood. What difference does that make? Reed snarled. He was more of a father to me than Thomas Blackwell ever was to James Brooks. The admission hung in the air between them.
Reed knew about James, about the true relationship between the Brooks and Blackwell families. How long have you known? Ethan asked. About James? Years.