The Lost Legacy

6.The Last Case

The dim light of the basement flickered, casting long shadows on the walls as I flipped through the final pages of Frode Menken's diary. The previous entries had unveiled the life of a dedicated journalist and the hidden world of Veritas, but it was the last entry that truly shook me to my core.

The final page was hastily written, the ink smudged in places as if Frode had scribbled his thoughts in a frenzy. He spoke about a case that had started as a mere coincidence but had spiraled into something much more dangerous. The crimes he had uncovered were shocking—perpetrated by powerful individuals who had become aware of his investigation. They had threatened him, and worse, they had discovered the existence of his family.

Frode's words conveyed a sense of urgency and fear. He described how the threats against his family had shattered his composure. He made a desperate decision to go into hiding, to protect his loved ones from those who sought to harm them. He knew he might not survive, but he was determined to ensure his daughter's safety, no matter what. His final note was a poignant expression of hope, a belief that even if he couldn't solve the case himself, his daughter would continue his work and uncover the truth.

My hands trembled as I read the final lines. Frode had mentioned hiding an important detail about the case somewhere close to me. The revelation was overwhelming. What could this critical piece of evidence be, and where could it be hidden? My mind raced as I tried to piece together the clues.

Aida and Liam were nearby, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and curiosity. Aida, her usually cheerful demeanor subdued, moved closer to offer her support. "Caci, you look like you've seen a ghost. What did you find?"

I looked up, my eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "Frode mentioned that he hid something important close to me. It's supposed to be somewhere they'd never think to look."

Liam's eyes widened. "So, it's something from your past? Something that might be in your house?"

I nodded, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "Yes. I need to figure out what it could be and where it might be hidden."

The basement was filled with old, forgotten items, but nothing seemed to stand out. I felt a pang of frustration. The diary had given me so many answers, but now it seemed to raise even more questions. I closed my eyes, trying to recall anything from my early childhood—anything that might be linked to this mystery.

Aida, ever supportive, put a hand on my shoulder. "Caci, think about what you had as a child. Anything that might have been important to you or that you kept close."

My eyes fell on the photograph that Aida had found earlier. It was a picture of me as a child, and I was hugging that very same doll. The realization hit me like a tidal wave. It was the same doll I had kept with me throughout my childhood or at least the parts that I remember with my dad. Despite the new toys he had bought me, I never let go of that doll. It was a constant in my life, a connection to my unknown past.

"It's the doll," I said, my voice trembling with both hope and fear. "I saw it in the photograph. It's the same doll I had with me it must still be in my home. It's been with me through everything."

Aida's eyes widened with understanding. "So, you think the doll is linked to your father's legacy?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "Yes. If Frode Menken hid something important close to me, it must be connected to this doll. It's the only thing from my early years that I've kept close all this time."

Liam's expression shifted from concern to determination. "If you want to uncover the truth, then we need to go back home and find the doll."

The thought of confronting my dad about everything was daunting, but I knew I had to do it. The doll was more than just a childhood toy; it was a link to the truth about my past and my father's hidden legacy. The answers were within reach, and I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

I nodded, feeling a surge of resolve. The doll was not just a piece of my past; it was a tangible connection to the secrets Frode Menken had left behind.

Aida wrapped her arms around me, her warmth a comforting presence. "We're here for you, Caci. No matter what happens, we'll face it together."

Liam, his eyes filled with determination, added, "We'll go first thing in the morning. We need to be prepared for whatever we might find."

As we prepared to leave the basement, the weight of the revelations pressed heavily on my shoulders. The truth about my past, the hidden evidence, and the legacy of Veritas were all intertwined with the doll I had cherished as a child.

The next morning, I was ready to confront dad and uncover the truth.