My Old-Money Father-in-Law Erased a Missing Girl's Identity to Replace His Late Daughter — Then a Traffic Stop Exposed His 15-Year Financial Cover-Up
I stepped out of the Canton diner, the greasy smell of breakfast still clinging to my clothes. Kincaid had gone to make some calls, leaving me to grab a quick, solitary bite.
The afternoon sun glinted off the chrome of a sleek, unmarked sedan that pulled sharply to the curb directly in front of me.
The driver’s door opened, and a man in an expensive suit, his face stern and unyielding, stepped out. He wore a heavy gold watch that caught the light.
“Julian Drake?” he asked, his voice flat, devoid of warmth.
I nodded, my hand instinctively going to the inner pocket where I’d tucked Kincaid’s remaining documents.
“I’m Commissioner Arthur Hollis, Canton Police Department,” he announced, not offering a hand. “I understand you’ve been soliciting confidential police files from a Mr. Marcus Kincaid.”
My stomach clenched. Richard had moved faster than I’d anticipated. He wasn’t just threatening; he was actively suppressing.
“I’ve been investigating my wife’s past,” I stated, trying to keep my voice even. “Not soliciting anything illegal.”
Hollis’s lips thinned into a grim line. “Mr. Kincaid is a retired officer, no longer authorized to access active or inactive case files. Furthermore, you are engaging in what appears to be an extortion plot against a prominent family, the Montgomerys.”
He took a step closer, his eyes cold. “Surrender any and all documents Kincaid gave you. Now.”
“An extortion plot?” I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping me. “My wife is a Montgomery, Commissioner. I’m trying to find out who she really is.”
“Your wife is Clara Montgomery. Her identity is not in question,” Hollis retorted, his voice rising slightly. “My department has been contacted by Mr. Richard Montgomery directly. He believes you are attempting to destabilize his family with false accusations.”
I knew in that moment he wasn’t just relaying information. He was operating under Richard’s payroll. The gold watch, the expensive suit, the immediate hostile posture – it all reeked of bought loyalty.
“I won’t be handing anything over,” I said, my jaw tight. “I have legitimate concerns, and I will pursue them.”
Hollis’s face darkened. “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to consider you a material witness in a criminal investigation. Obstruction of justice, perhaps. We can do this the easy way, or you can come down to the station.”
Before he could finish, a beat-up pickup truck screeched around the corner, its tires spitting gravel. It was Kincaid.
“Get in!” he yelled, leaning across the passenger seat, the door already open.
Without a second thought, I bolted. Hollis lunged, a hand grasping for my arm, but I twisted away, scrambling into Kincaid’s truck just as he floored it.
“Unauthorized local warrant, huh?” Kincaid muttered, glancing in the rearview mirror as Hollis stood, fuming, his hand on his hip. “Looks like you just got yourself a price on your head, Julian.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. Richard wasn’t just playing games. He was using the full weight of his influence, manipulating local law enforcement to silence me. This wasn’t just about a secret; it was about power, and Richard Montgomery intended to wield every ounce of his.
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