The Man Behind Helix
Chapter 09 - The Man Behind Helix
Helix Automotive’s real owner was Victor Shaw, Aisha’s former graduate adviser.
Victor taught her vehicle intelligence, introduced her to Adrian, and later claimed partial ownership of every system she designed.
Aisha refused.
He spent years turning mentorship into legal control.
Federal investigators traced the boat from Blackridge to a cargo vessel owned by Shaw.
The vessel docked at an experimental port facility called Meridian Nine.
Malik insisted on joining the search.
Eleanor refused.
“You are twelve.”
“He has my mother.”
“That is why you stay safe.”
Malik looked at her.
“You keep saying safe when you mean silent.”
Eleanor closed her eyes.
Aisha had said the same thing at seventeen.
They compromised.
Malik remained at the command center but controlled the Obsidian access key. Agents could open Meridian systems only through his authorization.
At Meridian Nine, investigators found a sealed laboratory aboard the cargo vessel.
Aisha was not there.
A live screen activated.
Victor Shaw appeared from an unknown location.
“Malik Carter,” he said. “Your mother built a remarkable system. You inherited access, not understanding.”
Malik held up the key.
“You sound worried for someone smarter than me.”
Victor smiled.
“I am offering you a future. Transfer the Carter patents, and your mother returns.”
Eleanor whispered not to answer.
Malik asked for proof Aisha was alive.
Victor played a live feed.
Aisha sat in a white room.
She looked thin but conscious.
When she saw Malik, she leaned toward the camera.
“You have Daniel’s eyes,” she said.
Malik had never known his father.
Victor cut the feed.
May you like
A new mystery replaced the old one.
Who was Daniel—and why had everyone erased him too?
