Chapter 7 - The Night Walter Died
Alisa couldn't make herself break the seal. Adrian did it for her while Tessa sat close enough to hold her hand.
The letter began like any note from Walter: My little bird. It ended with a warning that left Alisa staring at the carpet.
Gideon told me the north loading gate will be open tomorrow. I watched him lock it today. If anything happens, ask Silas Rook why.
"Tomorrow," Alisa whispered. "That was the day of the fire."
Adrian read the rest. Walter had discovered that money earmarked for workers displaced by a mill closure was being transferred to private development accounts. He intended to meet Gideon and Silas at the mill at seven that evening with the evidence.
"Dad told me Walter had gone there to pick up a forgotten coat," Adrian said.
"And I believed him," Alisa murmured.
Outside, a siren approached. Somewhere in the courtyard Gideon was telling reporters the wedding had been ruined by an intruder. His voice sounded so calm it made Tessa sick.
"My mom worked the night shift at the mill," Tessa said. "She saw the exit chains and took pictures. Walter must have entrusted her with the letter."
"Why didn't she go to the police?" Adrian asked.
"She did. The evidence vanished. She lost her job. And when I was little, she made me promise never to trust the Ashcroft name."
Alisa looked at her. "And you were going to marry my son?"
"I fell in love with Adrian before I understood what happened. Then I found the file. I wasn't trying to hurt you."
"I know." Alisa's eyes shone. "I'm not angry with you. I'm angry I spent thirty-one years refusing to look."
The detective took the letter as evidence, documenting its condition and where it had been found. She promised a handwriting review, not a miracle.
An officer returned from questioning Grant. "His phone received an instruction at ten forty-six. The sender used a company account linked to the Ashcrofts."
May you like
Ortiz read the text silently. Then she handed it to Adrian.
MAKE SURE THE REAL BRIDE CANNOT SPEAK.
