Chapter 4 - The Coffin Nobody Was Supposed to Open
Alex looked at the white coffin.
The words echoed in his mind.
The funeral wasn't for Clara.
He walked downstairs.
Everyone followed.
Teresa blocked the coffin.
“Alex.”
He ignored her.
“What is inside?”
“Your wife.”
“You don't know that.”
“I saw her.”
“When?”
Teresa hesitated.
“After…”
“After what?”
She looked away.
Alex reached for the coffin.
Officer Reynolds stopped him.
“Mr. Carter.”
“That is my wife.”
“We don't know that yet.”
Alex looked at the officer.
“What?”
The officer's expression changed.
“The identification paperwork is incomplete.”
Alex stared.
“What does that mean?”
“It means we haven't confirmed the identity independently.”
Teresa whispered.
“Please don't.”
Alex opened the coffin.
The room filled with silence.
The woman inside was covered by a white cloth.
Alex reached for it.
His hand shook.
He pulled it back.
Lily screamed.
“That's not Mommy!”
Everyone turned.
Lily pointed.
“That's not Mommy!”
Teresa began sobbing.
Derek closed his eyes.
Alex looked at the officer.
“Don't touch it.”
He pulled the cloth away.
The face beneath it was not Clara.
It was a woman Alex had never seen.
The room erupted.
One officer immediately called for backup.
Teresa collapsed into a chair.
Derek stared at the floor.
Alex looked at him.
“You knew.”
Derek whispered.
“Yes.”
Alex's voice broke.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I was trying to keep you alive.”
“Where is Clara?”
Derek didn't answer.
Alex grabbed his suit.
“Where is my wife?”
Derek looked toward Teresa.
Teresa finally spoke.
“She was supposed to leave.”
Alex froze.
“Leave where?”
“I don't know.”
“You know everything.”
“No.”
Teresa looked at the coffin.
“I know enough to be afraid.”
Arthur suddenly pointed toward the front door.
Three black SUVs had stopped outside.
Officer Reynolds drew his radio.
“Everyone stay inside.”
Alex stared through the window.
Three men stepped out.
They were not police.
One of them looked directly toward the house.
Then he lifted his phone.
Alex's phone vibrated.
Unknown Number:
They found you.
A second message appeared.
Do not trust the police.
Alex looked at Officer Reynolds.
The officer noticed the expression on his face.
“What is it?”
Alex didn't answer.
May you like
Outside, one of the men raised his hand.
The front door suddenly opened.
