Page 156 of Silent Target

“When?” she asks.

“Three days before his death.”

I feel her body go rigid behind me.

“You murdered him.”

Walter tilts his head. “Daniel Hart was offered a choice.”

“To join you?”

“To protect his daughter.”

My hands tighten around my rifle.

Walter is twisting the truth because he knows grief creates doubt.

Evie doesn’t give him the satisfaction.

“My father would never help you.”

“No. He wouldn’t.”

Walter’s expression turns almost regretful.

“That was the problem.”

Caleb’s father, Daniel Hart, the men killed on the mountain—every death leads deeper into this room.

“Why my father?” I ask.

Walter looks at me.

“Your father found something he wasn’t meant to see.”

“What?”

“The same thing you found.”

His gaze shifts toward the Second Circle ledger in Fathom’s pack.

“The names of men who own nations.”

A recorded voice fills the chamber.

Older.

Cultured.

The Chairman.

“If you are hearing this, Shadow Division has survived longer than projected.”

Fathom looks at his tablet. “Recording.”

“Where is the live transmission coming from?” Rook asks.

“Not here.”