“She tried to protect him,” Amelia whispered.
Mitchell stood in the doorway of the storage unit, watching the sunset burn orange beyond the rows of metal doors.
For years, people had believed Gavin Cole’s story ended in a courtroom.
Then in an execution chamber.
But now it seemed the real story had been waiting in the dark, packed in boxes by a woman who had loved him enough to leave a trail.
The court investigator photographed every item before removing anything. Chain of custody would be perfect this time. Amelia made sure of it. Mitchell signed as witness. Denise signed too.
As the last box was carried out, something slipped from beneath the blue tarp.
A sealed envelope.
It was yellowed with age.
On the front, in Rachel’s handwriting, were six words:
For Gavin, when it is safe.
Amelia held it carefully, then looked at Mitchell.
Mitchell looked at Denise.
