Page 48 of Unmasked Legacy

He reaches out to take my arm, but I have already anticipated that move. I have spent enough time with the club to know how they work. I dodge him easily, and then I run. If I guessed correctly, I don’t think he’ll chase me, and I’m right. He doesn’t. So, I get the hell out of there, not looking back to see what he’s doing.

Another biker who is going to put me on their shit list.

I don’t have time to care.

I am going to get my answers, then I’m getting the hell out of this town.

The first place I’m going is the library. Yesterday didn’t end how I had hoped, so now I’m left to get back on the search myself. I’m curious about what clue that library holds, and I’m going to track it down myself. Wolfe be damned.

I catch a cab there, figuring it is the quickest option.

I’ve been texting with Jace over the last few days, and he’s been adamant about catching up. I should, I know I should, but things haven’t been going exactly as planned. I feel horrible, because he has been one of the only people who has been kind to me, and I hate that I’m not giving him the attention he really does deserve.

I make a mental note to see him later.

Right now, I have to do this.

Getting out at the library, I pay the cab driver and then stand before the beautiful building, just taking it in. The library stands as a testament to history, with its grand entrance surrounded by elaborate carvings and towering columns. Stone stairs lead up to large, double wooden doors.

Making my way inside, I am presented with the breathtaking high ceilings and rows of towering wooden shelves, which house countless books bound in leather and cloth. Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished marble floors.

In the center, a spiral staircase winds its way up to a mezzanine, offering a view of the reading areas below. Quiet areas with plush armchairs invite visitors to lose themselves in the pages of a book, while antique chandeliers cast a warm, inviting glow over the entire space.

I have never experienced something so beautiful in all my life.

To think I lived so close to this and never once entered is almost a crime.

I have no idea what exactly I’m looking for, the small clue left doesn’t really give much indication as to what I’m searching for, but I’m determined to find out. I begin by searching any books about truth, lies, or secrets, but find nothing. I then move onto the crime section, but once again, I find nothing.

Frustrated, I sit down and think about the box I found at the river.

My mind goes to the dog tag, and I wonder if those initials mean something? Maybe they are a call number for a book? Jumping to my feet, I move to the W section and begin reading the spines of the books, until I finally come across one that matches. With anxious hands, I pull it out and read the front. The title of the book is Shadow.

My skin prickles as I open the book and a photo falls to the ground.

Reaching down, I pick it up and stare at it, my eyes widening.

In the picture, there are three people. One is my father, and beside him are two young teens, maybe fifteen. It’s hard to see clear details of their faces, as the picture has been poorly printed, but there is no doubt in my mind that is my father. So, who are the two boys? My mind spins with the possibilities. Does my father have more kids? Another family? Is that who is doing all of this?

It's the only thing that makes sense.

I flip the photo over, and on the back there is another saying.Bound by loyalty, divided by choice.

What the hell does that mean?

I flip the photo over again, but there is nothing else written. Putting the photo into my pocket, I flick through the book and notice something. It is about an old wharf in the local area, and how a man built it from the ground up with nothing more than the dull light that created enough shadow for him to create his masterpiece.

I know the place; it’s old and many people go to visit it, because of the beauty of its creation.

It’s mostly a landmark, something people come to admire, but I’m guessing it is also where I will find the next clue.

Whoever is doing this is enjoying the game.

I will keep playing, because I need answers.

Even if I have to risk my life to get them.

“I’M GOING TO SEE HIM.”

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