Chapter 18 - The Letter Beneath the PhotographThat night, Julian opened the old photograph again.
The image of Maria holding the newborn twins had become precious to him.
He studied it beneath the warm light of the lamp.
Something looked strange.
The cardboard backing was loose.
He carefully peeled it away.
A folded piece of paper slipped onto the table.
Julian unfolded it.
The handwriting was faded.
But the message was clear.
Maria,
Take Daniel and run.
The family knows about the inheritance.
But you must never tell him about his twin brother.
They already have the other one.
Julian stopped breathing.
The letter was dated the day he and Noah were born.
But there was something else.
A second line.
One he had never seen before.
If the boys ever reunite, tell them the truth about their father.
Julian stared at the words.
Their father?
Maria had always told them their father was dead.
Julian walked toward her bedroom.
Before he could knock, Maria opened the door.
She had already seen the letter.
Her face was pale.
“You knew.”
Maria whispered:
“Yes.”
“Who was our father?”
Maria looked toward the window.
May you like
Then she said:
“Your father isn't dead.”
