Chapter 8 - THE EMBLEM
The older man whispered something to Margaret.
She immediately turned toward Julian.
“What have you done?”
Julian stared at her.
“What?”
She grabbed his arm.
“We need to leave.”
But Julian couldn't move.
Garrison had removed a black envelope from his jacket.
Emma recognized it.
“The file?”
Garrison nodded.
Julian's voice became desperate.
“Give me that.”
Emma held it tightly.
“No.”
“You don't understand.”
“Then explain.”
Julian looked around.
Hundreds of witnesses surrounded them.
His arrogance was disappearing.
“I can explain everything.”
Emma almost laughed.
“You had six years.”
Julian's face tightened.
“Emma, please.”
That word stunned her.
Julian had never said please.
Not to her.
Not when he threw her out.
Not when he blamed her.
Not when he humiliated her.
Now he looked frightened.
Emma whispered:
“What are you afraid I'll find?”
Julian didn't answer.
Garrison did.
“The original records.”
Julian looked at him.
“You don't have them.”
Garrison's expression was calm.
“Are you sure?”
The attorney who had entered earlier opened one of the locked cases.
Inside were hundreds of documents.
Emma stared.
The attorney said:
“Mrs. Mercer, there is a record here with your name on it.”
Emma reached toward it.
Before she could touch it, Julian shouted:
“Don't!”
Every guest heard him.
Silence fell.
Emma slowly turned.
May you like
“Why?”
Julian couldn't answer.
