Chapter 16 - Shadows of the Past
Just when it seemed peace had finally settled permanently over Willow Ridge, an unexpected letter arrived in Evelyn's mailbox in early June. It bore the return address of a state penitentiary. Owen Mercer was writing to her from his holding cell while awaiting trial.
Evelyn sat at her kitchen table, staring at the envelope for a long time before Daniel walked in from the garden, carrying a basket of fresh soil and tomato seedlings.
"What’s that?" he asked, washing his hands at the sink.
"A letter from Mercer," she said flatly.
Daniel paused, his expression darkening. "Do you want me to burn it?"
Evelyn hesitated, then sliced the envelope open with her folding knife. Inside was a single sheet of lined paper, written in tight, agitated handwriting.
Mrs. Moore, the letter read. You think you won. You think Daniel is a saint who was saved by a miracle. But ask him about the project we worked on in 2021—Project Icarus. Ask him who signed off on the flight algorithms before the military took over. He isn't as innocent as you think. He left things out.
Evelyn read the lines twice, her heart missing a quiet beat. She looked up at Daniel, who was watching her with a concerned frown.
May you like
"What does it say?" Daniel asked.
Evelyn didn't answer immediately. She handed him the letter. Daniel took it, his eyes scanning the page. As he read the name Project Icarus, his jaw tightened, and the color drained slightly from his cheeks.
