Chapter 14 - the final statement
They moved into the library.
Samuel placed the final statement on the desk.
Richard's signature was at the bottom.
Hannah read it.
My daughter,
If you are reading this, then the person I feared has finally made the mistake I expected.
Hannah continued.
I cannot tell you everything because telling you would put you in greater danger.
But I can tell you this.
Your mother did not leave you willingly.
I did not abandon you.
And Vivian did not enter this family by accident.
Hannah looked up.
Vivian stood near the fireplace.
Caleb was staring at the floor.
Samuel continued reading.
There was someone behind Vivian.
Someone who helped her.
Someone who helped Martin.
Someone who has remained close to this family for years.
Hannah's heart began pounding.
The statement ended with one final sentence.
Trust the person who asks you the hardest question.
Not the person who gives you the easiest answer.
Hannah looked at Samuel.
“What does that mean?”
Samuel did not answer.
Caleb suddenly spoke.
“I know.”
Everyone turned.
Caleb's face was pale.
“I know who he meant.”
Vivian stepped toward him.
“Caleb, don't.”
He looked at Hannah.
“It was never my mother.”
Hannah froze.
Caleb continued.
“She was protecting someone.”
“Who?”
Caleb looked at Samuel.
Samuel's expression changed.
“Caleb.”
“I saw the original file.”
Hannah stepped closer.
“Who was it?”
Caleb reached into his jacket.
He pulled out a photograph.
On it stood Richard, Vivian, Martin Hale, Samuel...
And another man.
Hannah recognized him immediately.
May you like
Her father's closest friend.
The man who had supposedly died five years earlier.
