Chapter 93: The Hidden Blueprints

The archive locker at the old design studio contained twelve large tubes, three portfolio cases, and a locked metal box. Freya recognized her mother's handwriting on almost every label.

The current studio manager allowed them privacy after verifying Freya's identity.

Most tubes held architectural drawings. Freya unrolled them carefully while Louis and Derek checked the portfolio cases.

Nothing seemed unusual until Freya opened a set labeled RIVERSTONE RESIDENCES.

Several sheets were thicker than the others.

She ran her fingers along the edge. "This has something behind it."

Derek helped separate the backing without damaging the drawing.

A folded envelope fell onto the table.

Inside were photocopies of invoices and a handwritten note from Freya's mother.

"David says these don't match the approved specifications. Keep copies outside the office."

Freya swallowed.

Her mother had known about the investigation too.

The invoices showed construction materials billed at nearly twice their documented cost. Payments went to contractors already appearing in Charles Stone's ledger.

Another envelope contained photographs of a meeting at a development site. Adrian Stone appeared in two of them.

"This proves he was involved in the project," Derek said. "Not the fraud."

Freya nodded. They needed to remain careful.

The locked metal box was harder. The studio had no key.

Freya remembered her mother keeping tiny keys inside drafting-tool cases. After searching the portfolios, she found one taped beneath an old wooden ruler.

The key worked.

Inside the box was a small cassette recorder, two tapes, and a notebook.

"Your family really liked physical backups," Derek said.

"Apparently they didn't trust computers," Freya replied.

Louis looked at the dates. "Considering what happened to Stone Holdings' systems, they may have had a point."

The notebook recorded meetings between David, Charles, and several project partners. Thomas Grant appeared repeatedly.

One entry read: "Thomas insists Adrian's access is temporary. Charles disagrees. V says Thomas is covering for him."

"V is probably Victor," Freya said.

The final pages became more personal. Freya's mother wrote that David had become worried someone was following him. She wanted him to stop investigating until they could speak with Charles.

The last entry was dated four days before the accident.

Freya closed the notebook.

Louis moved closer. "You don't have to listen to the tapes here."

"Yes, I do."

Derek purchased a compatible player from a nearby electronics specialist and returned an hour later.

The first tape contained ordinary project notes.

The second began with Freya's parents speaking inside what sounded like a car.

Then her mother said, "David, that truck has been behind us since we left the office."

Freya stopped breathing.

The recording continued.

Her father answered, "Don't go home. Call Charles."

The tape ended less than two minutes later.

The accident had occurred four days afterward.

It still wasn't proof of murder.

But for the first time, Freya had evidence that her parents themselves believed they were being followed.

Derek sealed the tapes and created digital copies without altering the originals. Louis insisted they avoid contacting police until an independent forensic specialist verified the recording dates and physical media. Freya agreed. She wanted the truth about her parents, not a dramatic accusation that could collapse under scrutiny. If Adrian or anyone else had caused their deaths, she wanted evidence strong enough to survive every denial.