Chapter 223: Off The Hook
"I’ve got something for you," Max said as he stepped into Adam’s hospital room not even thinking to knock.
Adam looked up slowly with a guarded expression, "What is it?"
Max rubbed his hands together and sat down on the stool as he said, "I know where your supposed son is. And... I know who his adoptive father is."
"Supposed son?" Melanie asked, lifting her head sharply. She paused mid-slice, the apple knife hovering in her hand. Her voice was cautious, as she asked. "Wait-you mean you know who sent Elias Kramer? Has the man returned to Maniwa?"
That caught both Max and Adam off guard. They turned to look at her, confusion flickering across their faces. Max narrowed his eyes. "Hold on. Are you saying the attorney who helped you? You think he was sent by Adir’s adoptive father?"
Melanie nodded slowly. "Yes. I... I think so. I met a boy at the hotel where I was staying in Maniwa and then later at the airport. The kid was cute. And then later, at the airport, this man approached me. He warned me to be careful. At the time, I thought it was just a strange coincidence, but now, with everything that’s happened-the police, the investigation-I think he might’ve known more than he let on. And honestly, he’s the only person who makes sense. He’s the only one I can think of who would have had both the motive and the means to send help when we needed it most."
Adam’s brow furrowed and his voice hardened. "Whoever he was, he has been clearly keeping secrets. It is quite probable, he is the one who took Adir that night, then he might have witnessed the entire thing. He could’ve come forward. He could’ve told the truth and spared us all of this... mess. Instead, he chose to hide behind anonymity and send a lawyer. Why go to such lengths?"
"I don’t know..." Melanie admitted, having no idea what to think of that or having any explanation for the question.
"I think Melanie has a point," Max interjected, cutting through the tension. Both Adam and Melanie turned toward him. His expression was serious now, the weight of what he was about to say hanging heavy in the room. "And Adam—once you hear the name of the man who is Adir’s adoptive father, you’ll understand everything."