Chapter 6 - The Night Everything Changed
Evelyn sat down.
For several seconds, she could not speak.
Your grandfather was supposed to change the trust that night.
Why?
Because he discovered something.
What?
Money had been moved from an account that nobody knew existed.
Madison looked at Richard.
Did Dad do it?
Richard's eyes hardened.
No.
Then who?
Evelyn closed her eyes.
Your grandfather believed the person responsible was someone close to him.
Bradley said nothing.
Madison looked at him.
You were there.
Bradley nodded.
I was there.
What happened?
Your grandfather called a meeting.
He told all of us that he had proof.
Proof of what?
He never finished.
Why?
Because he collapsed.
Madison's expression changed.
Was he murdered?
Evelyn immediately shook her head.
No.
The doctors said it was natural.
But you do not believe that.
Evelyn looked at her.
I believe your grandfather knew he was in danger.
Richard stood.
This conversation is over.
Madison turned.
No.
You do not get to decide that anymore.
Richard's voice broke.
You think I wanted any of this?
Then tell me the truth.
He stared at his daughter.
I tried.
Tried what?
To protect you.
From what?
Richard looked toward Ethan.
From the people who were watching this family.
Madison followed his gaze.
Who was watching?
Richard did not answer.
Then Ethan spoke.
Someone was watching me too.
Everyone turned.
What do you mean?
Ethan reached into his backpack.
He pulled out an old envelope.
I found this in Grandpa's study.
Madison opened it.
Inside was a photograph.
It showed Ethan as a child.
Standing beside his grandfather.
On the back, someone had written:
When the boy turns fourteen, give him the truth.
Madison looked at Ethan.
You are fourteen now.
He nodded.
And Grandpa died when I was thirteen.
Madison turned the photograph over again.
There was another line beneath the first.
If Madison returns, trust her.
Madison's heart stopped.
She looked at her brother.
Why did nobody give this to me?
Ethan whispered.
Because Mom hid it.
Evelyn covered her face.
Richard stared at her.
You promised me you destroyed it.
Evelyn began to cry.
I could not.
Madison looked between them.
Then someone knocked on the front door.
Three slow knocks.
May you like
Bradley whispered:
She found us.
