Chapter 2 - The Secret Charles Buried
The sound outside made everyone turn.
David immediately signaled two veterans toward the chapel entrance.
Nora barely noticed.
She was still staring at the paper.
The document was not a letter.
It was a report.
Official.
Stamped.
Signed.
And her father's name appeared on several pages.
Nora flipped through them.
There were references to a company.
Montgomery Holdings.
A private security operation.
A financial transfer.
And a woman named Evelyn Montgomery.
Her mother.
The final paragraph contained a phrase that made Nora's stomach turn.
Subject was to be removed from all records and considered deceased.
She looked at Charles.
You declared my mother dead.
Charles swallowed.
Nora, it wasn't like that.
Then what was it like?
He looked toward Evelyn.
She knows.
Evelyn shook her head.
No.
I know what he wanted everyone to believe.
Nora stepped between them.
I want the truth.
Nobody answered.
Her patience snapped.
I spent twenty-five years believing my mother was dead.
I want the truth now.
Charles looked older than he had five minutes ago.
He slowly sat down.
Your mother discovered something.
What?
She found evidence that your grandfather had been using the family foundation to move money through overseas accounts.
Nora frowned.
My grandfather?
He was one of the most respected businessmen in Charleston.
Charles gave a bitter laugh.
That was the public story.
Evelyn continued.
Your grandfather had enemies.
People who wanted the money.
People who wanted control.
Charles interrupted.
And your mother became a liability.
Evelyn looked at him.
You mean I became a witness.
Nora stared at her mother.
Why didn't you come back?
Evelyn's eyes filled with tears.
I tried.
Every time I got close, someone stopped me.
Who?
Evelyn looked at Charles.
He did.
Charles slammed his palm against the chair.
I was protecting you.
From what?
From the people who killed your grandfather.
Silence.
Nora looked at David.
You know about this?
David nodded.
More than I wish I did.
Why?
David looked toward Julian.
Because Julian's father was involved.
Nora's eyes moved to Julian.
Julian remained motionless.
His father?
David's expression hardened.
My brother.
Nora felt the room tilt.
Julian finally spoke.
My father died eleven years ago.
But he left records.
What records?
Julian looked at David.
David answered.
Records proving that Charles was not the only person involved.
Nora's hands shook.
Then who else?
Before anyone could answer, one of the veterans hurried toward David.
Sir.
David turned.
A black SUV just left the rear parking lot.
License plate?
The veteran gave him the number.
David's expression changed.
He looked at Charles.
You told me nobody knew about today.
Charles said nothing.
David turned to Nora.
We need to leave.
Nora refused.
I'm not going anywhere.
David stepped closer.
They're here for the envelope.
Nora looked down at it.
Who are they?
David's eyes met hers.
The people who have spent twenty-five years making sure your mother stayed dead.
A sudden crash came from the rear of the chapel.
Guests screamed.
May you like
The lights flickered.
And every veteran turned toward the sound.
