Chapter 17 - Elena’s Voice
The tape recorder was older than Julian.
Mara’s daughter brought it to the mansion.
They gathered in the west library.
Mara pressed play.
Static.
Then Elena’s voice.
Young.
Clear.
Mara closed her eyes.
Elena continued.
Arthur knows about the baby. Charles says he will protect me, but he is afraid of his father. Lucia says I should leave tonight.
Charles stared at the floor.
Then:
If they say I ran because I was ashamed, that is a lie. If they say Charles didn’t know, that is a lie too.
Julian looked at his father.
Charles cried silently.
Elena’s voice softened.
Charles is not cruel. That may be the problem. He wants to be good without paying the price of being brave.
Mara whispered, “She knew him.”
If I get out, I am leaving Massachusetts. I want my child to grow up where nobody cares about Mercer money.
Then:
Tell Lucia I’m sorry.
Charles finally said:
Anna looked at him.
“Yes.”
He nodded.
Julian stood beneath the portrait.
The same hidden door.
He finally understood why Anna chose the painting.
A portrait is supposed to tell people who someone is.
She had turned his portrait into a question instead.
Who are you when the family story stops protecting you?
Julian stood at the front steps.
Mara beside him.
Anna beside her.
Charles behind them.
Julian said:
“My family concealed the truth about Elena Santos.”
“My grandfather abused power. My father failed to stop him. A police officer buried evidence. My mother later learned part of the truth and chose silence.”
Charles closed his eyes.
Julian did not soften it.
“And I laughed at the woman who finally pointed me toward the truth.”
Every camera turned toward Mara.
Julian knew.
So he added:
“She does not owe this family gratitude.”
May you like
Mara looked at him.
For the first time since the gala, she smiled.
