Chapter 133: Peter Rowe's Statement

Peter Rowe described the meeting in detail. It took place at a private development office owned by Harold Voss. Voss, Marcus Vale, Adrian Stone, and Peter were present.

According to Peter, Voss wanted David Stonebridge frightened into returning the contractor ledger. Adrian objected to "making a spectacle" but did not object to recovering the evidence.

Peter remembered Adrian saying, "No bodies. Charles will tear everything apart if someone dies."

That statement complicated the case again.

It suggested Adrian knew about the intimidation plan and participated in discussing it, but specifically opposed killing David.

Freya absorbed the distinction.

Her attorney warned that Peter was a cooperating witness seeking leniency. His statement needed corroboration.

Fortunately, David's original ledger contained a calendar notation placing Voss at the development office that day. Thomas's records placed Adrian nearby for another meeting. Neither proved Peter's account, but both supported the timeline.

Peter also said the second vehicle was intended only to block David's car. When Martin's truck crashed into it first, everyone panicked and fled.

Marcus Vale later told Peter that "the brake job went too far."

That phrase raised a new question.

Who ordered the brakes tampered with?

Peter claimed he did not know.

Voss might have wanted to ensure Martin could not simply abandon the pursuit. Vale might have acted independently. Adrian might have known more than Peter heard.

Investigators reopened the old garage records.

The mechanic who serviced the truck had died, but his apprentice was alive. He remembered Vale visiting the garage the evening before the accident.

Again, the evidence moved toward Vale and Voss.

Freya felt almost angry that Adrian might not be the person who directly caused her parents' deaths.

Then she remembered her mother's letter.

Find the truth.

Not find the most satisfying villain.

Louis understood without her explaining. "You can hate him for what he actually did."

Freya nodded.

Adrian had protected Voss's fraud, participated in planning intimidation, concealed evidence after the deaths, manipulated Louis, exploited Serena, blackmailed Thomas, and built a network around coercion.

That was enough.

She did not need to invent murder intent to justify condemning him.

Peter's statement also helped authorities locate another hidden Meridian archive. Financial records there documented payments to Vale and the garage.

The pressure on Adrian increased.

Then Derek received confirmation from border authorities.

Adrian had attempted to leave using identity documents connected to a nominee company.

He had been stopped.

Louis looked at Freya.

"They have him?"

Derek nodded.

For the first time since the investigation began, Adrian Stone was no longer operating from somewhere beyond their reach.

Louis reminded Derek that Adrian's detention did not mean the threat had vanished. Greyline and Meridian had employed many people, and some might still act to protect themselves. Security remained in place while attorneys coordinated with investigators. Freya disliked the precautions but no longer mistook them for living in fear.

Louis reminded Derek that Adrian's detention did not mean the threat had vanished. Greyline and Meridian had employed many people, and some might still act to protect themselves. Security remained in place while attorneys coordinated with investigators. Freya disliked the precautions but no longer mistook them for living in fear.

Louis reminded Derek that Adrian's detention did not mean the threat had vanished. Greyline and Meridian had employed many people, and some might still act to protect themselves. Security remained in place while attorneys coordinated with investigators. Freya disliked the precautions but no longer mistook them for living in fear.

Louis reminded Derek that Adrian's detention did not mean the threat had vanished. Greyline and Meridian had employed many people, and some might still act to protect themselves. Security remained in place while attorneys coordinated with investigators. Freya disliked the precautions but no longer mistook them for living in fear.