Chapter 18 - Julianne's Second RecordingA second cassette was discovered taped beneath the bottom of the storage locker.
This recording was dated August 2003.
Emma was sixteen months old.
Julianne sounded weaker.
“Emma is walking now.”
Adrian's eyes filled immediately.
“She falls every four steps and gets furious at the floor.”
Emma laughed through tears.
Julianne continued.
“Miriam says I should contact Adrian.”
A long pause.
“I want to.”
Adrian lowered his head.
“But Graham sent me copies of documents showing Adrian authorized the private ambulance.”
“He forged them,” Adrian whispered.
On the tape Julianne said:
“I no longer know what is true.”
Then her voice changed.
“I do know one thing. Leonard knew about the schools.”
She described the hidden records.
Then:
“If Adrian is innocent, one day I hope he forgives me.”
Adrian covered his mouth.
Emma reached for his hand.
Neither spoke.
Julianne's final words were almost a whisper.
“My daughter deserves a father who knows she exists.”
The recording ended.
Adrian remained motionless.
Emma squeezed his hand.
“She wanted to tell you.”
“I know.”
“She was afraid.”
“I know.”
“This wasn't her choosing to leave you.”
Adrian looked at Emma.
For twenty-four years he had wondered whether Julianne had died frightened.
Now he knew something worse.
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She had lived frightened.
And he had been turned into part of that fear.
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