Chapter 9 - The Man Who Could Not Come Home
Claire returned to the mansion party location the next day.
She needed Harold to admit something.
Instead, Harold invited her inside.
He looked calm.
Almost amused.
“You saw someone at the station.”
Claire said nothing.
Harold poured himself a drink.
“You think it's Mike.”
“Is it?”
Harold looked at her.
“Would it make you happy?”
“Yes.”
“Then perhaps you should believe it.”
Claire's anger rose.
“What did you do to him?”
Harold's smile disappeared.
“I didn't do anything.”
“You lied about his death.”
“I protected you.”
“From what?”
Harold looked toward the window.
“From your husband.”
Claire stared.
“You expect me to believe Mike was dangerous?”
“No.”
Harold turned.
“I expect you to believe that people can become strangers when they are afraid.”
Claire noticed the ring on his hand.
“Give me the ring.”
Harold's expression changed.
“Why?”
“Because I found another one.”
Silence.
Harold stepped closer.
“You have no idea what that symbol means.”
“Then tell me.”
He didn't.
Claire walked away.
As she reached the door, Harold said quietly:
“Ask Mike why he chose to leave you.”
Claire stopped.
Harold continued.
“He could have come home.”
“Then why didn't he?”
Harold smiled sadly.
“Because he believed the woman beside you was not who you thought she was.”
Claire turned.
“What woman?”
Harold said nothing.
That night, Claire found Elena Ward.
Alive.
Elena was hiding in a small apartment outside the city.
When Claire showed her the photograph, Elena began to cry.
“You found it.”
“What happened to Mike?”
Elena shook her head.
“I can't tell you.”
“Why?”
“Because if you're asking me, then they already know.”
“Who are they?”
Elena looked toward the locked door.
Then she whispered:
“Mike wasn't the only person who disappeared.”
Claire's phone vibrated.
A message from an unknown number.
COME ALONE.
May you like
Then another.
BRING THE PHOTOGRAPH.
