Chapter 9 - The Missing Key
Avery—Aaron—had kept Emily’s key.
For six years.
Sentimental.
Guilt.
He wore it on a chain.
Police searched him.
Gone.
“When did you lose it?”
“Two days ago.”
Where?
Vale & Ash locker room.
Someone stole it after he began working undercover.
Meaning someone knew exactly why Thomas’s cooler mattered.
Someone wanted the poison to appear connected to Thomas.
And perhaps Molly.
The server who physically delivered the dish.
Perfect suspects.
Grant’s arrogance supplied the rest.
He attacked Molly publicly.
If the plate had not been knocked away and Grant died, suspicion would fall on restaurant staff.
Thomas had motive because of Emily.
Molly had opportunity.
Aaron had secret identity.
Three scapegoats.
Then Grant asked the question that changed everything.
“Who knew Thomas hated me?”
Everyone.
Not enough.
Who knew Aaron was inside the restaurant?
Only Aaron.
Thomas eventually.
Molly.
And—
Derek.
The assistant manager handled hiring paperwork.
Derek went pale.
“I didn't know who he really was.”
Maybe.
Then Caroline’s burner-phone records showed Derek had exchanged messages with Victor.
Not once.
Hundreds.
Caroline turned on him.
“You told me you worked for Luke.”
“I did.”
“And Victor?”
Derek cracked.
Victor had recruited him after Luke died.
Not to spy on Grant.
To find Luke’s files.
Victor believed Luke hid copies inside restaurants.
Especially Vale & Ash.
So Derek worked three sides.
Luke.
Caroline.
Victor.
“Who told Victor Aaron was here?”
Derek whispered:
“I did.”
Thomas lunged.
Grant stopped him.
“Enough.”
Derek insisted Victor never mentioned murder.
He only wanted documents.
Then police raided Victor’s office.
Empty.
Computer wiped.
But one paper remained inside the shred bin.
Half destroyed.
RED FERN BENEFICIARY REVIEW.
One visible name:
Molly Reed.
The server.
Everyone stared at her.
Molly sat very still.
Grant spoke first.
“Why is your name on my father’s hidden company?”
Molly shook her head.
“I have no idea.”
Thomas looked at her differently now.
Molly became angry.
“Don’t.”
“You never told me where you worked before.”
“Because I was embarrassed.”
“Where?”
She swallowed.
“Mercer Hospitality.”
Grant froze.
She had worked there?
Accounts payable.
Four years.
Then left suddenly.
Why?
She claimed workplace harassment.
Records showed termination for “unauthorized access to executive files.”
Grant leaned forward.
“What files?”
Molly’s eyes filled.
May you like
Then she finally said:
“Your father’s will.”
