But lately, I’ve been questioning everything.
Like whether Hayes Barlow is really responsible for Adam’s death.
And who the man I’m certain I saw behind the wheel of the car chasing us could be.
And why I’m positive that man is the same one who pointed a gun at me a few months ago.
“What if Hayes Barlow didn’t kill Adam?What if it was someone else?”
“Esme….”He squeezes my hand.“While I’m the first to admit the proof of his involvement in Callie Sloane’s death isn’t all that strong, at least not yet, I think we can both agree it’s hard to argue he wasn’t involved in what happened to Adam, not with all the evidence retrieved from Barlow’s residence.Evidence directly tying him to the crime.”
“All that evidence could have been planted.He could have been set up.Plus…” I trail off, unsure if I’m ready to go down this road with my father.Is it even worth it, considering Hayes is dead?
But if there’s even a slight chance someone else is responsible, that person needs to answer for what he’s done.Adam deserves as much.
“What is it?”He peers at me with interest and compassion.
I may not have always had the best relationship with my father, but since my return to Belmont and my brother’s MS diagnosis, he’s been better.He’s taken a genuine interest in our needs and wishes.
He’s been a father again.
“I’ve been having these…dreams.”
“Dreams?”
“They started after the goodwill trip.”
“I see.”He briefly averts his gaze, a pained look crossing his expression.“And what do you see in these dreams?”
“I see that man pointing a gun at me.”
“Charles Thacker?”
I part my lips, but snap them closed.
“Let me guess.You don’t think he did it, either.”
My lack of response is the only answer he needs.
“Esme…,” he exhales yet again.“A man matching the general description you gave was seen fleeing the scene and getting into a car.That exact car was found just a few kilometers away with Thacker’s unresponsive body in it.He’d taken his life.”
“The description I gave was of a man in a dark coat, dark beanie, and dark scarf.All I could see of him were his eyes and nose.Hell, half the palace staff would probably match that description if dressed accordingly.”I bite my lower lip.“I saw him.”
“I’m aware.”
“No.”I wave him off.“In my dreams, the man who pointed the gun at me is the same man who ran Adam off the road.Who poured gasoline all over the car.”I swallow hard.“Who lit it on fire.And it wasn’t Hayes Barlow.I don’t… I don’t think he did it.”I quickly shake my head.“Actually, Iknowhe didn’t do it.Hayes Barlow had blue eyes.The man in my dreams has dark eyes with flecks of gold.”
I meet my father’s gaze, begging him to believe me, despite the mountains of evidence to the contrary.For a second, I can see the wheels turning in his head, as if he’s giving my theory serious consideration.Then his shoulders fall and he expels a long breath.
“I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you to lose your chief protection officer in such a traumatic way.For you to nearly die along with him.Then to almost lose your life again just a few months ago.But I assure you...”He brushes his thumb along my knuckles.“Charles Thacker was responsible for what happened during the goodwill trip.He was notorious for his outspoken and extreme anti-monarchist stance.He was found dead of a gunshot wound from the same type of weapon he pointed at you.As for Hayes Barlow, I don’t think I need to remind you about the copious amount of physical evidence found at his house tying him to Adam’s death.”
“What if it was all planted by someone to make it seem like he’s responsible?”
On a long sigh, my father pulls himself to his feet.I stand, as well, allowing him to take my hand in his.“That would take a hell of a lot of planning.I understand this may not be what you want to hear.That maybe you’re looking for some sort of meaning behind all the horrible things you’ve endured.I often look for meaning behind it, too.But the truth remains.Hayes Barlow was a troubled man who saw everything he worked hard for go up in smoke and took it out on Adam.And Charles Thacker viewed you as a representation of everything he disagreed with about this country.The two incidents aren’t connected.These dreams are just your brain playing tricks on you.Nothing more.Okay?”
I can’t deny that my father has a point.My argument in favor of Hayes’ innocence is solely based on what I see in my dreams.Not on reality.I may not be a lawyer, but I doubt any court of law would acquit anyone based on a dream.
Maybe my dad’s right.Maybe Iamjust looking for meaning behind it all.