Page 34 of Malevolent Secrets

Every memory with him now feels tainted. The nights we spent laughing together, the plans we made for our future—they all seem like a cruel joke.

Did he ever trust me? Did he ever see me as more than just a part of the façade he maintained?

The pain cuts deep. I thought I knew him, thought we had no secrets between us.

But now, it feels like I was living with a stranger, someone who never truly let me in. I trusted him with everything and he betrayed that trust in the worst possible way.

As I continue to go through his belongings, the sense of betrayal morphs into a cold determination. He may have lied to me, kept his secrets, but I will uncover the truth. I deserve that much.

Jeremy's deceit may have shattered my world, but it won't break me. I will find out what happened to him, why he was involved with the Durettis and who was responsible for his death.

But as I gather the documents and the flash drive, I can't help but feel the weight of his betrayal pressing down on me. The man I loved, the man I thought I knew, was a stranger. And now, I'm left to pick up the pieces of a life that was never truly mine.

The documents are financial records, detailing large sums of money being transferred between various accounts. It’s clear Jeremy was involved in something big, something dangerous. The flash drive contains a series of encrypted files and I realize I’ll need help to unlock them.

I think of Renee, wondering if she knows anyone who could help. I give her a call,

“Hey, I’m so glad you called. John from finance has been trying to rope me into going to dinner with him and I don’t think he’s buying the excuse that I need to take my dog to his monthly manicure and pedicure session. Rescue me, please.”

I smile, despite the heaviness I’m feeling. Renee always makes me feel better.

“Tell him you have a date with me and you’ll be free to spend time with him by the fifth of never.”

“Okay, there’s that sass I’ve missed. FYI, I am going to say that, word for word.”

I laugh a little and it feels good after the day I’ve had.

“Do you want to go for this imaginary mani-pedi sesh with me? We can even get real mani-pedis.”

“Am I pretending to be your dog now?” I joke. I pause. “Wait…you don’t even have a dog.”

“I know that and you know that, but he doesn’t know that,” she says with a giggle.

I laugh along with her. “I would love to. But first, I found a flash drive among Jeremy’s belongings, but the contents are encrypted. Do you know anyone who might be able to help?”

She is quiet for a minute then she sighs.

“You're still doing this then.” It's not a question, but I answer her anyway.

“Yes. I have to Renee. There are just too many unanswered questions and even though I am hurt at the things I'm finding out about Jeremy, I still…I loved him. I do love him.”

“No, no, I'm sorry Daniella, you don't have to explain yourself to me. I think it’s good that you're doing this.”

She sighs again.

“Times like this I wish inlaid more attention during high school computer classes.”

“Babes, I don't think high-level of decryption was covered in high school computer classes.”

She chuckles and everything is better again, lighter.

"I might know someone," she says after a moment. "A friend from college. He’s good with computers and might be able to help you out."

***

Renee arranges for me to meet her friend Chris, a tech genius she says can help decrypt the files. As I step into his apartment, I'm immediately struck by the sheer chaos of the place.

It's a small, cluttered space, with computer parts, monitors and cables strewn about haphazardly. The walls are lined with shelves overflowing with books and gadgets, giving the room a distinctly geeky charm.

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