Chapter 5 - THE LETTER FROM A DEAD MAN
Daniel’s father had been dead for four years.
The envelope should not have been inside a wall Claire renovated last summer.
That fact alone made Daniel’s skin crawl.
Detective Chen photographed everything before handing him the letter.
The paper was yellowed at the fold.
Daniel opened it carefully.
Son,
If you are reading this, then someone finally found what I was afraid to tell you while I was alive.
Daniel stopped.
His father had never written dramatically.
He had been practical to the point of irritation.
The next lines were worse.
The trust for Lily is not simply an education account.
It contains proceeds from the sale of property that belonged to your mother’s family.
No one outside you, me, and our attorney should know that.
Do not give anyone permanent control of it.
Daniel looked at Chen.
“I never knew this.”
“Keep reading.”
He did.
If Claire’s mother ever asks about the Harper property, call Martin Bell immediately.
Do not confront her alone.
Daniel’s throat tightened.
Margaret’s maiden name was Harper.
He read the line again.
“What does my mother-in-law have to do with my father?”
No one answered.
The memory cards were sent for forensic review.
That afternoon, Daniel called Martin Bell, his father’s former attorney.
The old man went silent when Daniel mentioned Margaret.
“Where are you?” Martin asked.
“At home.”
“Is Lily with you?”
“Yes.”
“Then lock the doors.”
Daniel stood up.
“Why?”
“Because your father spent twenty years making sure Margaret Harper could never touch that money.”
Daniel felt the room tilt.
Martin continued.
“And if Claire has been moving it, then Margaret finally found a way around him.”
Daniel looked toward Lily.
“What are you saying?”
May you like
Martin’s answer came quietly.
“I’m saying your wife may not have married you by accident.”
