Chapter 7 - The Name Julian Buried
The darkness lasted only seconds.
Then emergency lights flickered on.
David immediately moved in front of Nora.
Stay behind me.
Another sound came from upstairs.
Glass breaking.
Julian grabbed Nora's hand.
We have to go.
She pulled away.
Not until you tell me the truth.
He stared at her.
Nora, now is not the time.
It is always the time.
Her voice shook.
You changed your name.
Yes.
Why?
Because my family was destroyed.
By my father?
Julian nodded.
Nora felt as if the floor had shifted.
Who were you?
Julian took a breath.
My birth name was Julian Bell.
Nora looked at Daniel.
Daniel's face was devastated.
My brother's son.
Nora turned back.
Your nephew?
Julian nodded.
Daniel's brother was killed twenty years ago.
Julian continued.
My father died after trying to expose Charles.
My mother disappeared.
I was sent away.
Then I grew up knowing only one thing.
Charles Montgomery had destroyed my family.
Nora whispered.
And you came into my life because of him?
Julian shook his head.
I met you by accident.
I loved you before I knew who you were.
Nora looked away.
Then when you found out...
I was afraid.
Afraid I would use you.
Afraid you would think I had.
She wiped her eyes.
Did you marry me to get revenge?
No.
The answer came instantly.
No.
Then why didn't you tell me?
Because I wanted one part of my life to be real.
Nora looked at him.
And it was?
Julian stepped closer.
Every second.
A loud crash came from above.
David looked toward the staircase.
We are out of time.
He grabbed the archive box.
Nora took the photograph.
Daniel opened a hidden panel in the wall.
A narrow passage appeared.
Nora stared.
How many secrets does this family have?
Daniel answered quietly.
More than you have discovered.
They moved through the passage.
Behind them, footsteps descended the stairs.
Someone was coming.
David stopped.
Everyone went silent.
A voice echoed from the darkness.
Nora.
She recognized it.
Her father's voice.
You should have listened to me.
Nora's heart pounded.
Charles continued.
If you leave this room with them, you will never know which one of them betrayed you.
Julian looked at Nora.
Don't listen.
Charles laughed.
Ask your husband why he knew about your aunt before today.
Nora slowly turned toward Julian.
Julian's face changed.
May you like
Charles whispered from the darkness.
Ask him what he promised Eleanor.
