Page 134 of Sixty Meters Under
Lennart pressed space once again and sank his back into the chair. Liam looked at him with a worried expression.
“Find out who deleted this,” Lennart spoke up. “Someone must have noticed this before us. We need to find out who.”
?
Ringing echoed through the monitoring area. Since George and Erica seemed unbothered, Hugo was sure it must be his phone. He fished it out of his pocket and answered, “Yes, Lennart?”
“Come to my work room.”
By the tone Lennart spoke, Hugo had a hunch about what it might be. It wasn’t unusual that Lennart needed his assistance, but Hugo felt disquiet creep up on him. He entered the elevator and drove to level number twelve.
Liam answered the door after his first knock. Hugo stepped into the room and saw Lennart at his worktable facing the screens. At this point he knew. He took a deep breath, and asked, “You needed me?”
“Yes,” Lennart said without turning. “I have a question for you.”
“I’m listening.” Hugo stood straight as in his old days when he was on duty.
“Look at the screen.”
Hugo focused his eyes on the footage. The second his eyes landed on the glowing surface, he recognized the scene that started playing.
So he dug up the video. I should have known better.
Hugo’s eyes remained glued on the screen as he thought what to say. Although he wondered what might be the question, deep down he already knew.
“Does this seem familiar to you?” Lennart broke the heavy silence.
“Yes.”
“This footage was deleted from your computer. How is that possible?”
“It was me who deleted it.”
Lennart paused the video and turned to him. “Why?”
“I thought it might be obvious.” Hugo was convinced that erasing the footage was the best solution, and secretly hoped Scarlett’s husband would be held responsible for Scarlett’s death. He was aware that was selfish thinking, but he knew he couldn’t bear to see Anna suffering further than she already did.
“You should have told me.”
“I know. I should.”
“But you choose not to.”
“I wanted to protect you both.”
Lennart sighed and shook his head. “Keeping this from me wouldn’t solve anything. And you know that.”
“I’m sorry.” Hugo thought about his promise from many years ago. A promise he made to his best friend that he would protect his wife and two young boys if anything ever happened.
“You’re too protective of Mom,” Lennart added, looking him straight in the eyes.
“I’m protective of you all.”
“You’re not convincing, Hugo,” Lennart demanded.
“Fine. I care about your mother, probably more than I should.” Hugo felt his voice waver. “She-she reminds me of my Olivia… And–”
Lennart closed his eyes and hung his head. “Does that mean you’re in love with her?”
