Page 50 of King's Reckoning
The conviction in his voice matched her own determination, another reminder of why they'd connected so deeply. Reed understood her in ways no one else did—recognized her strength while still wanting to protect her.
"Multiple vehicles approaching," King reported from the window, interrupting their moment. "Blackwood's people, looks like. Musthave realized we've figured out what they're really after."
"No," Rowan corrected, mind racing as pieces fell into place. "They're moving because they have to. Continental Resources has a narrow legal window. If these historical records are authenticated and submitted to the proper authorities soon..."
"They lose their chance to control the narrative," Barbara finished, reading through more legal documentation. "The pending legislation about historical land claims has a submission deadline next week."
Movement outside indicated security teams taking positions as the first vehicles parked. Rowan could hear boots in the hallways now. Devils members mobilizing to protect their facility.
"Whatever we're going to do," King said firmly, "we need to do it quickly."
Rowan nodded, already moving to gather essential equipment. "Dad, stay with Reed. Barbara, I need you to prepare the authentication documentation. We'll need everything organized exactly according to Mom's protocols. Cole, can you get your men in position to delay Blackwood's people?"
The Devils’ president was already on his phone, coordinating with his forces. "We'll buy you time. But what exactly are you planning?"
Rowan smiled determinedly as she found the specific legal procedures she needed in Elena'sjournal. "We're going to give them something they don't expect. Not confrontation, but completion."
"And what's that mean?" Reed asked, frustration evident in how he shifted restlessly, clearly hating his temporary helplessness.
"It means," Rowan said, her hand finding his again and squeezing gently, "that instead of hiding these records or fighting over them, we're going to release them. All of them, through multiple channels, to every legitimate authority that should have them."
"They'll try to discredit them," King warned. "Abby knows how Elena documented things, how she organized evidence."
"No," Rowan corrected, already implementing the first stages of her mother's true contingency plans. "Abby knows what Mom wanted her to know. What would make Continental Resources overconfident, sure they understood everything about how she preserved the evidence."
She held up the journal, showing them specific legal notations hidden within seemingly ordinary research notes. "The real authentication protocols were hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone who could see past the obvious cataloging to the comprehensive verification system beneath."
Understanding dawned in Barbara's eyes as she studied the documentation. "A parallel authentication system," she breathed. "Elena built redundant verification into every piece ofevidence. Multiple ways to prove legitimacy that would stand up to any legal challenge."
"And she arranged for independent experts to receive copies," Rowan added, finding a list of contacts in the journal's back pages. "People who could verify these records without bias or corporate influence."
Movement in the hallway grew more pronounced as Devils members took defensive positions. They could hear Cole directing his men, securing the corridor outside Reed's room.
King nodded toward the surveillance footage. “Ryder helped set up these security protocols before stepping back to focus on family. Good man, balancing club loyalty with parental responsibilities.” Then he added, “But whatever we're doing, we need to do it now."
Rowan nodded, feeling pieces of a lifetime's preparation falling into place. No mystical connections or supernatural forces. Just meticulous historical documentation, careful legal preparation, and the strength of bonds forged through shared purpose rather than mystical heritage.
"Barbara, start implementing Mom's authentication protocols—all of them, not just the ones that look important. Dad, I need you to contact these academic authorities. They're expecting to hear from someone connected to Elena. And Reed..." She turned to him, their eyes meeting with shared understanding.
"What can I do from this bed?" he asked, frustration evident.
Rowan's hand found his, their fingers intertwining with practiced ease. "You can remind me why we're doing this. Why it matters that these truths come to light."
Reed's expression softened. "Because some injustices shouldn't stand unchallenged, no matter how long ago they happened. Because your family deserves its rightful heritage." His thumb traced patterns on her wrist. "Because you deserve to finish what your mother started."
The simple truth of his words steadied her in a way nothing else could. This wasn't just about historical justice or property rights. It was about honoring Elena's work, about completing a mission generations in the making.
King smiled slightly, seeing the connection between them, recognizing something of what he'd once shared with Elena. "Together then?"
Rowan nodded as she began organizing the comprehensive release of all the evidence they'd gathered. On Barbara's screens, authentication chains began forming, creating unbreakable verification pathways exactly as Elena had designed.
"Together," she agreed. "Time to finish what Mom started."
Outside, more vehicles arrived as Blackwood's forces prepared to move. But Rowan remained focused as she implemented Elena's finalprotocols—not mystical protections, but carefully designed authentication methods that would ensure the records couldn't be dismissed or suppressed.
Because some truths were worth any price to protect.
And some injustices had gone unchallenged for far too long.
