Chapter 5 - The False GoodbyeThe investigation uncovered another document.
A letter.
It had been delivered to Elena Martinez shortly after Miguel disappeared.
The letter claimed Miguel had left because he was ashamed.
Because he had stolen money.
Because he could not face his family.
Elena had believed the words only because she had no other choice.
But there was something wrong.
Miguel wrote Spanish when emotional.
The letter was formal English.
Leah sent it to a handwriting and document examiner.
The conclusion was devastating.
Frank had typed it.
Rosa confronted him.
"Why?"
"Pritchard dictated it."
"Why did you type it?"
Frank's eyes filled with shame.
"Because he said if I didn't, your mother would disappear too."
Rosa stared at him.
"And every year after that?"
Frank had no answer.
Fear had explained the first years.
Shame had explained the next decade.
But eventually, silence had become easier than confession.
That was the darkest thing about Frank.
He had once been afraid.
May you like
Then he had become comfortable being afraid.
And comfort had become another form of betrayal.
Related Stories
