Chapter 6 - A Child's Memory
Ethan walked out into the flickering glow of the oil lamp, clutching his stuffed bear, his bare feet pattering against the rough pine boards. He stopped two paces away, tilting his head as his hazel eyes took in the bearded man kneeling before him.
Daniel dropped to both knees, his hands trembling so hard he had to press them against his thighs to steady himself. ""Hey, buddy,"" Daniel whispered, tears streaming down his face without restraint. ""You got so big.""
Ethan looked back at Rachel, seeking permission, then looked at the silver ring resting on the wooden table. ""You have Mommy's picture in your pocket?"" the boy asked softly.
Daniel reached into his inner breast pocket and pulled out a cracked, laminated photograph of Rachel holding baby Ethan at the hospital four years ago. The edges were worn white from thousands of touches. ""Every single day,"" Daniel said, his voice breaking.
Ethan stepped forward and wrapped his small arms around Daniel’s neck. Daniel pulled the boy against his chest, weeping silently into the boy’s flannel pajamas.
Rachel watched them, her heart torn between fierce joy and a burning, unresolved fury. ""How could you let us live through that funeral, Daniel? How could you let me raise him alone while you hid in the dirt?""
Daniel looked up, his expression haunted. ""Because the money trail didn't stop at the syndicate, Rachel. It led straight to the State Governor’s office. If I had stayed, they would have staged a house fire. They would have killed Ethan in his crib.""
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Suddenly, Kane stiffened near the front window, peering through the slats of the wooden blinds.
""Kill the lamp,"" Kane whispered, cocking his pistol. ""Thermal scopes in the tree line. We're surrounded.""
