Chapter 8 - THE LETTERThree days later, a package arrived.
No return address.
Inside was a photograph.
Graham at age seven.
Standing beside his father.
And behind them—
Helena.
On the back of the photograph was a handwritten message.
Ask your mother why your father left the night before he died.
Graham stared at it.
Maren watched the color leave his face.
“What does it mean?”
“I don't know.”
But he did.
Or at least he feared he did.
That night, Graham called Corinne.
She didn't answer.
He called again.
Nothing.
Finally, a message arrived.
You should stop digging.
Graham stared at the screen.
Maren felt a chill.
“Who sent that?”
“Corinne.”
The next morning, Matthew appeared at their door.
He looked exhausted.
“I need to talk to both of you.”
Graham stepped aside.
Matthew entered.
He didn't sit.
“I owe you an apology.”
Maren looked at him.
“For what?”
“For dinner.”
He swallowed.
“I should've stopped it earlier.”
Graham's voice was cold.
“Why didn't you?”
Matthew looked down.
“Because I've been afraid of Helena too.”
That answer surprised them.
Matthew continued.
“Your mother has controlled this family for years.”
He reached into his coat.
Then he placed a small envelope on the table.
“I found this in Corinne's things.”
Graham opened it.
Inside was another letter.
His father's handwriting.
May you like
And the first line read:
“My son, your mother has lied to you.”
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