The investigation broadened over the following months. Financial specialists examined the documents from the warehouse, Caroline's records, and surviving corporate filings. The evidence suggested that several assets once associated with Brooks Transport had been transferred through complicated arrangements during the company's collapse.
Some transactions appeared legitimate.
Others raised serious questions about authorization, disclosure, and the way ownership interests were valued.
Rebecca cautioned Daniel that historic allegations could be difficult to litigate because important witnesses had died and legal deadlines might apply.
But certain current ownership questions remained unresolved.
The warehouse dispute created an opportunity for negotiations and additional examination of the original agreements.
Meanwhile, Mara identified all three men involved in Samuel's assault.
Two worked for a security contractor used by Harlan Development. The third had previously been employed at one of Victor's warehouses.
They were questioned separately.
One eventually admitted that a supervisor told them to remove Samuel from the property.
The supervisor denied ordering physical violence.
Mara continued investigating communications and employment records to determine whether anyone directed the assault or knew it would occur.
Daniel wanted Victor held responsible.
But Mara insisted the evidence must establish actual involvement rather than relying on assumptions.
“Anger won't replace proof,” she told him.
Daniel nodded.
He understood, even though waiting was difficult.
At home, Ethan was struggling with nightmares.
He sometimes woke imagining the three men returning to hurt Samuel. On other nights, he dreamed that his father disappeared just as the old man had.
Daniel arranged for him to speak with a school counselor.
He also made time for quiet evenings together, without discussing lawsuits or business disputes.
One Friday, they cooked spaghetti and watched an old comedy.
Ethan laughed for the first time in days.
Later, he asked about his mother.
“Do you think Mom would've helped Samuel?”
Daniel smiled.
“Absolutely.”
“Even if she didn't know him?”
“She was the kind of person who noticed when someone needed help.”
Ethan looked thoughtful.
“That's why she made the scarf.”
Daniel glanced toward the photograph of his late wife, Sarah.
“She made it because she loved you.”
Ethan nodded.
“Maybe that's why I wanted Samuel to have it.”
Daniel pulled him close.
“You gave him something warm. But calling for help was what mattered most.”
Ethan smiled faintly.
“Do you think Grandpa would've liked him?”
Daniel laughed softly.
“They were best friends.”
“No. I mean Samuel now.”
Daniel considered the question.
“I think Grandpa would be sad about what happened to him. But he'd be happy Samuel finally came home.”
Ethan leaned against his father's shoulder.
For the first time since the assault, he seemed ready to believe the danger might eventually end.