Chapter 18 - THE NAME REX INHERITED
Elaine admitted that Rex’s biological father was Allen Hurst.
She and Hurst had a brief relationship during a separation from Thomas. Thomas reconciled with her before Rex was born and raised him as his own. Hurst never publicly claimed paternity, but Wade knew.
On the night of the fire, Hurst returned secretly from his trip. Airline records showed a ticket home under another name. Wade’s notation—A.H. approved cleanup—referred to Allen Hurst.
Hurst authorized destruction of the warehouse because Wade threatened to expose Rex’s paternity and destroy both families.
Thomas had known for years.
Rex felt betrayed again.
“Was any part of my life not managed by someone else’s fear?”
Thomas answered carefully. “I chose to be your father. That part was mine.”
Rex wanted to reject him. Instead, he asked why Thomas never told him.
“Because I thought truth would make you love me less.”
“So you made sure I couldn’t choose.”
The evidence cleared Arthur of the initials but implicated a dead man who could not testify. Claire accused them of shifting blame conveniently.
Prosecutors found corroboration in Hurst’s private storage receipts and a letter he wrote before death. He admitted helping Wade arrange “a controlled burn” and insisted Wade promised the warehouse would be empty.
The planned fire had become homicide when Wade learned Michael was inside and proceeded anyway. A recorded pager message from Voss confirmed Wade received that warning forty minutes before ignition.
The government charged Wade with felony murder, racketeering, fraud, and conspiracy.
Rex asked Arthur whether the charge meant the story was finally over.
May you like
Arthur looked toward Michael’s clinic window.
“A charge is the beginning of proof,” he said. “Not the end of pain.”
