Chapter 17 - the bell that should not ringThe electricity returned twenty seconds later.
Emma had not moved.
Daniel checked every door and window while Nora traced the signal that had triggered the sound on Nathan’s laptop.
“It came through the Mercer estate security system,” she said.
“That system was disconnected,” Evelyn replied.
“Someone reactivated it tonight.”
Daniel looked at Emma.
“Who brought you here?”
“A man with Daddy’s ring.”
The room went silent.
“Did he tell you his name?”
Emma shook her head.
“He said names make people easier to bury.”
Claire pulled Lily closer.
Daniel lowered himself beside Emma.
“Did you see your mother?”
“She put me in a closet and told me to count. Then the ring man came.”
“Did he hurt her?”
Emma pressed the hospital band into her palm.
“He said Mommy had kept Richard’s voice too long.”
Rose had mentioned a recording.
Daniel called Nathan.
“We are going to the estate.”
Claire objected immediately.
“You are not leaving us here.”
“I am not taking two children into that house.”
Evelyn walked toward the coat rack.
“They will be safer with Nora and me.”
Daniel turned to her.
“You recognize the man in the reflection.”
Evelyn’s face tightened.
“Yes.”
“Who is he?”
She looked toward Emma before answering.
“Richard’s older brother.”
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Daniel had never heard of an older brother.
According to every Mercer family record, Richard had been an only child.
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