Life of Lies

Chapter 51-Calm Before The Storm

Elizabeth POV

I had the same dream for a whole week. Every night, I woke up sweating and hyperventilating. I finally gave in and told Dad. While I didn't expect Dad to interpret my dreams, I hoped he could comfort me. He held me as I cried in his arms. Dad advised me to stay home and either work on my classwork or help Mom with daily tasks. Andrew continued to work at the office, but he would update me with new tidbits of information. Throughout my day, I would give Mom her pills and lunch and clean her oxygen mask so she could use it throughout the day. I can still remember the day that it went downhill. It was November 29th. Dad calls me and wants me to meet him at the Verger estate. I drive towards the estate to be met by bodyguards at the gate. Three huge men come towards the car and stand around it. I was worried for a second. The last time that I was here, there were no guards.

"Ms. Crawford? Please step out of the vehicle."

I step out of the car and am immediately being searched. My gun, knife, phone, and wallet are on the hood. I could see Dad in the distance. After I was searched, I was escorted by the guards and taken to the front door of the Verger Mansion. Dad is waiting for me, and he walks inside the mansion with me. Dad was admiring the grandeur of the main hall. Dad and I were escorted to Mason's room. The room was grand and had everything that would make anyone jealous. We're escorted into Mason's room. It was a massive room with a black-and-white aesthetic. There was a literal fish tank in the floor of the bedroom. Mason was on a ventilator. Mason also had a mask that covered the lower part of his face. He also had a brace around that was placed carefully on his spine. According to the police report, Mason had fallen into a pit of pigs, who then proceeded to maul his face, and his sister, Margo, saved him. In all honesty, I didn't buy that story. Something was fishy, and it didn't pass the smell test. As Dad questioned Mason, I took notes and wrote Mason's responses. It was hard to look at Mason. Finally, I heard from Dad,

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Verger."

Mason said nothing to me or hinted that he wanted to talk. Instead, I left with Dad and headed back to the office. The minute that we are out of the bedroom, Dad says to me,

"You buy his story?"

I shake my head in response.

"No, it's fucking bullshit. He was very hesitant to give you any responses. Mason also said something that caught my attention. He said, "I only hope to repay him one day.". You and I know damn well that he doesn't mean to repay him financially. I think Hannibal did something, and Mason is covering for Hannibal. What do you want to do now?"

Dad and I stood in front of the mansion. Dad sighed and said to me,

"Get yourself and Andrew ready. We're going to war with Hannibal."

A smile broke out on my face. Finally, vindication. It feels so fucking awesome to be right!