Chapter 19 - the room behind the nurseryDaniel and Nathan followed the footsteps upstairs.
The eastern corridor had been locked since Richard’s death, but the door now stood open.
At the end of the hallway was the old nursery.
Inside, the walls were covered with photographs.
Daniel as a child.
Tessa at school.
Rose entering a hospital.
Claire holding newborn Lily.
Emma sleeping in a foster home.
Someone had been watching all of them for years.
Nathan found a hidden door behind a bookcase.
The narrow room beyond it contained surveillance equipment and shelves of labeled tapes.
One label read:
MARGARET — INITIAL AGREEMENT.
Daniel inserted the tape.
Margaret’s younger voice emerged.
“You will receive access to the offshore accounts. In return, Daniel will never learn Samuel exists.”
Samuel answered, “And Richard?”
“He will believe you are dead.”
“What about the Bennett woman?”
Margaret paused.
“If she threatens the marriage, remove her.”
Daniel stopped the tape.
His mother had not merely followed Samuel’s instructions.
She had invited him back.
A telephone rang inside the hidden room.
Nathan answered.
Samuel spoke immediately.
“You found the nursery.”
“Where is Rose?” Daniel demanded.
“Closer than you think.”
“What do you want?”
“The family meeting Richard denied me.”
A screen switched on.
Rose appeared tied to a chair beneath the estate bell.
May you like
Samuel stepped behind her.
“Bring Margaret before midnight,” he said. “Or the bell will fall.”
Related Stories
