Chapter 4 — Why Claire’s Suitcase Was Chosen
Claire still had one question.
“Why involve my bag?”
Martin looked toward the floor.
Daniel answered first.
“Because he needed Ryan to leave with something.”
If Ryan simply discovered his suitcase missing, he would report it immediately.
But if he found an identical black suitcase with his name attached…
he might assume it was his.
He might leave the airport.
Only later would he discover the contents belonged to someone else.
By then, Martin expected to be gone.
Claire’s suitcase had been selected because it looked almost identical to Ryan’s.
“So I was just convenient.”
Daniel nodded.
Martin had watched the carousel until he found two similar bags.
He swapped the names.
Then stole only the blue case from Ryan’s real luggage.
The plan was simple.
Ryan would take Claire’s suitcase.
Claire would take Ryan’s.
Each would believe the airline made a baggage mistake.
Martin would walk away with the only object he wanted.
Ryan stared at him.
“Why do you care about a forty-year-old track film?”
Martin finally stopped denying everything.
He looked exhausted.
“Because my father spent his entire life being remembered for that race.”
“So?”
Martin looked toward the blue case, now recovered from his carry-on.
“And your grandfather spent his entire life knowing the story wasn’t true.”
Ryan froze.
“What story?”
Martin closed his eyes.
“David didn’t run the last leg.”