Chapter 8: The Woman Who Refused to Disappear
I called Margaret Ellis back immediately.
The phone rang once.
The Woman Who Refused to Disappear
I called Margaret Ellis back immediately.
The phone rang once.
Twice.
Then a recorded voice informed me that the number was unavailable.
I tried again.
Twice.
Then a recorded voice informed me that the number was unavailable.
I tried again.
Nothing.
I stood beneath the awning, rain blowing across the pavement, and looked at the business cardNothing.
I stood beneath the awning, rain blowing across the pavement, and looked at the business card Edwin had given me.
The solicitor's name was David Mercer.
I searched for his number in Edwin had given me.
The solicitor's name was David Mercer.
I searched for his number in my contacts, found the firm's public number on the my contacts, found the firm's public number on the card, and called.
A receptionist answered.
“Good evening, Mercer and Bell.””
“My card, and called.
A receptionist answered.
“Good evening, Mercer and Bell.””
“My name is Esme Whitmore. I need to speak to David Mercer about Margaret Ellis. She contacted me a few minutes ago and name is Esme Whitmore.
I need to speak to David Mercer about Margaret Ellis. She contacted me a few minutes ago and said she was being followed.””
The receptionist's tone changed.
“Please hold.””
I waited, said she was being followed.””
The receptionist's tone changed.
“Please hold.””
I waited, listening to the soft music playing through the receiver.
A moment later, a man answered.
“Ms. Whitmore, listening to the soft music playing through the receiver.
A moment later, a man answered.
“Ms. Whitmore, this is David Mercer. Are you somewhere safe?””
“I believe so. I'm outside Whitmore House.””
“Please this is David Mercer. Are you somewhere safe?””
“I believe so. I'm outside Whitmore House.””
“Please go somewhere public and well lit. Do not attempt to meet Ms. Ellis alone until we have confirmed go somewhere public and well lit.
Do not attempt to meet Ms. Ellis alone until we have confirmed the arrangements.””
“Do you know where she is?””
“I have an address on file, but I the arrangements.””
“Do you know where she is?””
“I have an address on file, but I haven't spoken to her directly today. She has been extremely cautious.””
“Why?””
There was a pause.
haven't spoken to her directly today. She has been extremely cautious.””
“Why?””
There was a pause.
“Because she believes certain financial records were deliberately concealed, and she is afraid of“Because she believes certain financial records were deliberately concealed, and she is afraid of the consequences of disclosing them.””
I looked through the restaurant window.
Ronan was the consequences of disclosing them.””
I looked through the restaurant window.
Ronan was standing beside the table where the investment documents had been placed. Beatrix was speaking standing beside the table where the investment documents had been placed. Beatrix was speaking to him, her hands moving rapidly as she argued.
“Mr. Mercer,” I said, “what does Margaret know?””
“I can tell to him, her hands moving rapidly as she argued.
“Mr. Mercer,” I said, “what does Margaret know?””
“I can tell you that she was responsible for maintaining the restaurant's original accounts. She kept copies of several records after she you that she was responsible for maintaining the restaurant's original accounts. She kept copies of several records after she left, including documents relating to intellectual property, consultancy payments, and a company called Ashcombe Hospitality Solutions left, including documents relating to intellectual property, consultancy payments, and a company called Ashcombe Hospitality Solutions.””
My stomach tightened.
“The company that received the money recorded in my name?””
“Yes.””
“Did she.””
My stomach tightened.
“The company that received the money recorded in my name?””
“Yes.””
“Did she know about those payments when she worked there?””
“She says she know about those payments when she worked there?””
“She says she discovered irregularities shortly before her departure. She raised the matter internally discovered irregularities shortly before her departure. She raised the matter internally and was subsequently dismissed.””
“Ronan told everyone she made accounting mistakes.””
and was subsequently dismissed.””
“Ronan told everyone she made accounting mistakes.””
“Her account is different.””
I looked at the wet pavement“Her account is different.””
I looked at the wet pavement.
“Can you arrange a meeting?””
“I can, but I want to speak with her first. If she contacts you again.
“Can you arrange a meeting?””
“I can, but I want to speak with her first. If she contacts you again, please tell her to call my office directly. And don't promise, please tell her to call my office directly. And don't promise her anything on behalf of anyone else.””
“Understood.””
He hesitated her anything on behalf of anyone else.””
“Understood.””
He hesitated.
“One more thing, Ms. Whitmore. Margaret says the original recipe book contains handwritten.
“One more thing, Ms. Whitmore. Margaret says the original recipe book contains handwritten notes that were never entered into the company's formal accounting system.””
“What kind of notes?””
“She's described notes that were never entered into the company's formal accounting system.””
“What kind of notes?””
“She's described them as cross-references between culinary development records and payments to external companies.””
I closed my them as cross-references between culinary development records and payments to external companies.””
I closed my eyes.
The dishes I had developed had been more than food to Ronan. They had eyes.
The dishes I had developed had been more than food to Ronan. They had become assets he could claim, sell, and use to attract investors.
If Margaret become assets he could claim, sell, and use to attract investors.
If Margaret was telling the truth, he had been using my work as the foundation for a financial was telling the truth, he had been using my work as the foundation for a financial arrangement I knew nothing about.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Please be careful tonight arrangement I knew nothing about.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Please be careful tonight.””
I ended the call and walked toward the bus stop.
At home, my mother had left the porch.””
I ended the call and walked toward the bus stop.
At home, my mother had left the porch light on.
She opened the door before I could reach for the bell.
“You light on.
She opened the door before I could reach for the bell.
“You're soaked!””
She pulled me inside and hurried to fetch a towel.
My father emerged're soaked!””
She pulled me inside and hurried to fetch a towel.
My father emerged from the sitting room.
“Did you speak to Edwin's solicitor?””
“I spoke to Margaret Ellis from the sitting room.
“Did you speak to Edwin's solicitor?””
“I spoke to Margaret Ellis's solicitor.””
I told them about the call.
My father listened without interrupting's solicitor.””
I told them about the call.
My father listened without interrupting. My mother sat beside me with a blanket around my shoulders. My mother sat beside me with a blanket around my shoulders.
When I finished, he said, “We should let the solicitors handle it.””
“I.
When I finished, he said, “We should let the solicitors handle it.””
“I know.””
“Then why do you look as if you're about to go straight know.””
“Then why do you look as if you're about to go straight back there?””
I stared at the dark window.
“Because Margaret sounded frightened.””
back there?””
I stared at the dark window.
“Because Margaret sounded frightened.””
“That doesn't mean you can fix whatever she's facing.””
“I know that, too.””
My father pulled out the chair opposite“That doesn't mean you can fix whatever she's facing.””
“I know that, too.””
My father pulled out the chair opposite me.
“Esme, listen to me. You have spent ten years believing that if you worked harder me.
“Esme, listen to me. You have spent ten years believing that if you worked harder, stayed quieter, and solved enough problems, the people around you would stop hurting you.””
I looked, stayed quieter, and solved enough problems, the people around you would stop hurting you.””
I looked down.
“That isn't true,” he continued.
“You can be kind without making yourself responsible for every disaster down.
“That isn't true,” he continued.
“You can be kind without making yourself responsible for every disaster in someone else's life.””
My throat tightened.
“What if she really does have evidence that could clear in someone else's life.””
My throat tightened.
“What if she really does have evidence that could clear my name?””
“Then we help her get it to the right people. We don't put you in danger to prove you my name?””
“Then we help her get it to the right people. We don't put you in danger to prove you care.””
I nodded.
He was right.
And yet, as I sat there care.””
I nodded.
He was right.
And yet, as I sat there, I kept remembering Margaret's warning.
Someone had been following her.
At 9:47 p, I kept remembering Margaret's warning.
Someone had been following her.
At 9:47 p.m., Harriet called.
“I've received the documents you forwarded,” she said.
“I have.m., Harriet called.
“I've received the documents you forwarded,” she said.
“I have also spoken briefly with David Mercer.””
“What did he say?””
“He confirms that Margaret Ellis is a former also spoken briefly with David Mercer.””
“What did he say?””
“He confirms that Margaret Ellis is a former employee with relevant knowledge of the restaurant's accounting records. He is arranging a formal interview employee with relevant knowledge of the restaurant's accounting records. He is arranging a formal interview with her, but we should not assume the contents of the missing book prove with her, but we should not assume the contents of the missing book prove misconduct until the documents have been examined.””
“I understand.””
“Also misconduct until the documents have been examined.””
“I understand.””
“Also, the hotel has confirmed that Ronan sent a written complaint about you this afternoon. They are, the hotel has confirmed that Ronan sent a written complaint about you this afternoon. They are aware of the dispute and have asked him to direct further communication through legal representatives.””
I aware of the dispute and have asked him to direct further communication through legal representatives.””
I sat up straighter.
“What does that mean for my application?””
“Marg sat up straighter.
“What does that mean for my application?””
“Margaret Vale has told me the hotel will continue reviewing your professional credentials independently. No final decision has been made.””
aret Vale has told me the hotel will continue reviewing your professional credentials independently. No final decision has been made.””
I felt a mixture of relief and frustration.
“I thought I had finally put allI felt a mixture of relief and frustration.
“I thought I had finally put all this behind me.””
“Unfortunately, other people don't always respect the boundaries we this behind me.””
“Unfortunately, other people don't always respect the boundaries we set. That doesn't mean those boundaries are ineffective.””
I thanked her and set. That doesn't mean those boundaries are ineffective.””
I thanked her and ended the call.
For the first time that day, I slept without my phone beside my ended the call.
For the first time that day, I slept without my phone beside my pillow.
The next morning, I woke to sunlight on the bedroom wall and the smell of toast pillow.
The next morning, I woke to sunlight on the bedroom wall and the smell of toast.
My mother was downstairs making breakfast. My father was in the garden, trimming a hedge that didn't need trimming.
For a few.
My mother was downstairs making breakfast. My father was in the garden, trimming a hedge that didn't need trimming.
For a few quiet minutes, I allowed myself to enjoy the ordinary sounds of a house quiet minutes, I allowed myself to enjoy the ordinary sounds of a house where nobody expected me to earn my place.
Then my phone rang.
Marg where nobody expected me to earn my place.
Then my phone rang.
Margaret Ellis.
I answered immediately.
“Margaret?””
“It's me.””
Her voice was quieter than beforearet Ellis.
I answered immediately.
“Margaret?””
“It's me.””
Her voice was quieter than before, but steadier.
“Are you safe?””
“For now.””
“Did you speak to David Mercer?””
“Yes. He wants, but steadier.
“Are you safe?””
“For now.””
“Did you speak to David Mercer?””
“Yes. He wants you to contact his office.””
“I will. But I need to tell you something first.””
I sat on you to contact his office.””
“I will. But I need to tell you something first.””
I sat on the edge of the bed.
“Go ahead.””
“The recipe book is in the edge of the bed.
“Go ahead.””
“The recipe book is in a storage unit outside the city. I moved it there after Ronan began asking questions about the old accounts.””
“Why didn't a storage unit outside the city. I moved it there after Ronan began asking questions about the old accounts.””
“Why didn't you take it to the solicitor?””
“Because I wanted to understand what I had found you take it to the solicitor?””
“Because I wanted to understand what I had found before I handed it over.””
“Margaret, what did you find?””
She breathed out slowly.
“The payments recorded before I handed it over.””
“Margaret, what did you find?””
She breathed out slowly.
“The payments recorded in your name were part of a larger arrangement. There were transfers to Ashcombe, but there were also transfers in your name were part of a larger arrangement. There were transfers to Ashcombe, but there were also transfers to two other companies.
The descriptions changed from month to month, but the reference numbers matched to two other companies. The descriptions changed from month to month, but the reference numbers matched entries in the restaurant's original development ledger.””
“Who owned the other companies?””
“I entries in the restaurant's original development ledger.””
“Who owned the other companies?””
“I don't know for certain. One was dissolved years ago. The other was registered under don't know for certain.
One was dissolved years ago. The other was registered under a nominee director.””
My stomach tightened.
“Did you find evidence that a nominee director.””
My stomach tightened.
“Did you find evidence that Ronan personally received the money?””
“I found evidence that funds were transferred into accounts connected to the business. Ronan personally received the money?””
“I found evidence that funds were transferred into accounts connected to the business. I also found records indicating that some of the money was later used to cover expenses unrelated to I also found records indicating that some of the money was later used to cover expenses unrelated to the restaurant.””
“Such as?””
“Property payments. Consultancy fees. Personal travel.””
I pressed the restaurant.””
“Such as?””
“Property payments. Consultancy fees. Personal travel.””
I pressed my fingers against my forehead.
“And my name was used to explain the transfers?””
“Yes.””
my fingers against my forehead.
“And my name was used to explain the transfers?””
“Yes.””
“Why?””
“Because your recipes“Why?””
“Because your recipes and development work had genuine commercial value. They could be used to justify consultancy payments on paper. You were the perfect person to name because you had done the work, even though you never received the money.””
I and development work had genuine commercial value. They could be used to justify consultancy payments on paper. You were the perfect person to name because you had done the work, even though you never received the money.””
I felt sick.
For years, I had believed Ronan's refusal to pay me was simply another way of felt sick.
For years, I had believed Ronan's refusal to pay me was simply another way of keeping control.
Now I was learning that he had been keeping control.
Now I was learning that he had been using my unpaid labor to justify payments to other people.
“Why did you wait until now to tell me?””
“Because I was afraid.””
Her honesty stopped me.
“I have a family, Esme. A daughter. A mortgage. I lost my job after questioning the accounts, and I spent years telling using my unpaid labor to justify payments to other people.
“Why did you wait until now to tell me?””
“Because I was afraid.””
Her honesty stopped me.
“I have a family, Esme. A daughter. A mortgage. I lost my job after questioning the accounts, and I spent years telling myself I should have kept quiet.””
“I'm sorry.””
“So am I.””
There was myself I should have kept quiet.””
“I'm sorry.””
“So am I.””
There was a pause.
Then she said, “When I saw the news that Ronan was seeking investors, a pause.
Then she said, “When I saw the news that Ronan was seeking investors, I realized he might try to transfer the business before anyone examined the original records. I realized he might try to transfer the business before anyone examined the original records. I contacted Edwin because I thought he might intervene.””
“He didn't know what to I contacted Edwin because I thought he might intervene.””
“He didn't know what to do.””
“I know. He called me back too late.””
I thought about the note found beneath the menus.
L do.””
“I know. He called me back too late.””
I thought about the note found beneath the menus.
Lydia Shaw had written that the original book was being kept safe until the investment agreement was signed.
ydia Shaw had written that the original book was being kept safe until the investment agreement was signed.
“Margaret, do you know Lydia?””
“Yes.””
“What is her connection to Ronan?””
“She's been involved with the company for years. I don't know the nature of their personal relationship, if“Margaret, do you know Lydia?””
“Yes.””
“What is her connection to Ronan?””
“She's been involved with the company for years. I don't know the nature of their personal relationship, if any. But I do know she handled correspondence for Ashcombe and attended any. But I do know she handled correspondence for Ashcombe and attended meetings about the restaurant's expansion.””
“Why would she keep the book?””
“Because she knows what is in it.””
I stared at the wall.
“Can you meet with meetings about the restaurant's expansion.””
“Why would she keep the book?””
“Because she knows what is in it.””
I stared at the wall.
“Can you meet with Harriet and me?””
“Not yet. I need to make one thing clear first.””
“What's that?””
“The Harriet and me?””
“Not yet. I need to make one thing clear first.””
“What's that?””
“The book isn't the only record I kept.””
I sat up.
“What else do you have?””
“Copies of the original supplier agreements, development schedules book isn't the only record I kept.””
I sat up.
“What else do you have?””
“Copies of the original supplier agreements, development schedules, and a series of emails between Ronan and Lydia. Some of them refer to you directly.””
My heart began to race.
“What do they say?””
“I won't discuss them over the phone. I want David Mercer to arrange a secure meeting.””
“That sounds sensible, and a series of emails between Ronan and Lydia. Some of them refer to you directly.””
My heart began to race.
“What do they say?””
“I won't discuss them over the phone. I want David Mercer to arrange a secure meeting.””
“That sounds sensible.””
“Esme?””
“Yes?””
“There's something I should have told you years ago.””
I waited.
“When I was dismissed, I saw a draft agreement that listed you as a co-owner of.””
“Esme?””
“Yes?””
“There's something I should have told you years ago.””
I waited.
“When I was dismissed, I saw a draft agreement that listed you as a co-owner of the restaurant's intellectual property. It was never signed by you the restaurant's intellectual property. It was never signed by you. But it was signed by Ronan.””
I stared at the phone.
“A co-owner?””
“Yes. The agreement stated that the original recipes and culinary methods had been developed jointly by you and the restaurant. But it was signed by Ronan.””
I stared at the phone.
“A co-owner?””
“Yes. The agreement stated that the original recipes and culinary methods had been developed jointly by you and the restaurant. It was intended to be used when the company sought outside investment.””
“Then why did Ronan. It was intended to be used when the company sought outside investment.””
“Then why did Ronan tell everyone the recipes belonged exclusively to him?””
“Because the agreement also contained a clause requiring him to disclose your contribution and settle any outstanding compensation before transferring the intellectual property.””
I couldn't speak.
For nine years, Ronan had insisted I was tell everyone the recipes belonged exclusively to him?””
“Because the agreement also contained a clause requiring him to disclose your contribution and settle any outstanding compensation before transferring the intellectual property.””
I couldn't speak.
For nine years, Ronan had insisted I was simply helping him.
Yet somewhere in the restaurant's records, he had acknowledged that my work had commercial value and that I was entitled to compensation.
“What happened to the agreement?””
“I don't simply helping him.
Yet somewhere in the restaurant's records, he had acknowledged that my work had commercial value and that I was entitled to compensation.
“What happened to the agreement?””
“I don't know. I only saw the draft. But if the final version exists, it could change everything.””
I stood and began pacing the room know. I only saw the draft. But if the final version exists, it could change everything.””
I stood and began pacing the room.
“Can you send me a copy?””
“Not until David has reviewed the records. I don't want to compromise the evidence.””
“All right.””
“And.
“Can you send me a copy?””
“Not until David has reviewed the records. I don't want to compromise the evidence.””
“All right.””
“And Esme, please don't go to the storage unit alone. I believe someone Esme, please don't go to the storage unit alone. I believe someone has already been there.””
My steps stopped.
“What?””
“Yesterday, I checked the unit. The lock had been has already been there.””
My steps stopped.
“What?””
“Yesterday, I checked the unit. The lock had been replaced. The owner told me a man had asked to access it using replaced. The owner told me a man had asked to access it using my name.””
“Did he get in?””
“I don't know.””
I felt cold all over.
“Who my name.””
“Did he get in?””
“I don't know.””
I felt cold all over.
“Who was he?””
“He showed identification with your ex-husband's name.””
was he?””
“He showed identification with your ex-husband's name.””
I closed my eyes.
Ronan knew the book mattered.
He knew Margaret had it.
I closed my eyes.
Ronan knew the book mattered.
He knew Margaret had it.
And now he was trying to get to the records before anyone else could see them.
“Margaret, you needAnd now he was trying to get to the records before anyone else could see them.
“Margaret, you need to call David now.””
“I will.””
“And please, don't contact Ronan directly.””
“I to call David now.””
“I will.””
“And please, don't contact Ronan directly.””
“I have no intention of doing that.””
We ended the call.
I went downstairs and told my parents what she had said.
My father have no intention of doing that.””
We ended the call.
I went downstairs and told my parents what she had said.
My father immediately offered to drive me to Harriet's office.
My mother insisted I eat breakfast first immediately offered to drive me to Harriet's office.
My mother insisted I eat breakfast first.
For once, I let them take care of me without protesting.
.
For once, I let them take care of me without protesting.
At eleven, Harriet confirmed that David Mercer had arranged a meeting with Margaret for the following afternoon. She also advised meAt eleven, Harriet confirmed that David Mercer had arranged a meeting with Margaret for the following afternoon. She also advised me not to attempt to retrieve the book myself.
Then, just after noon, I received an email from Margaret.
It not to attempt to retrieve the book myself.
Then, just after noon, I received an email from Margaret.
It contained no message.
Only a photograph.
The image showed an old, thick notebook contained no message.
Only a photograph.
The image showed an old, thick notebook lying on a wooden table. Its cover was worn at the edges, and a faded label had been fixed to the front.
**WH lying on a wooden table. Its cover was worn at the edges, and a faded label had been fixed to the front.
*WHITMORE HOUSE — ORIGINAL RECIPES AND DEVELOPMENT RECORDS.*
Beside it lay a printed email.
ITMORE HOUSE — ORIGINAL RECIPES AND DEVELOPMENT RECORDS.**
Beside it lay a printed email.
I enlarged the image.
The email was dated four years earlier.
It was from Ronan to LydiaI enlarged the image.
The email was dated four years earlier.
It was from Ronan to Lydia.
The subject line read:
*ESME — FINAL ARRANGEMENTS.*
I read.
The subject line read:
*ESME — FINAL ARRANGEMENTS.*
I read the first paragraph.
*Once she signs the separation agreement, the outstanding development payments can the first paragraph.
Once she signs the separation agreement, the outstanding development payments can be processed through Ashcombe. She will have no reason to question the entries, and we can complete the be processed through Ashcombe. She will have no reason to question the entries, and we can complete the transfer before she understands what the recipes are worth.
My knees nearly transfer before she understands what the recipes are worth.*
My knees nearly gave way.
I read it again.
Then I noticed the final line.
*Make sure Mum destroys gave way.
I read it again.
Then I noticed the final line.
Make sure Mum destroys the old book before the investors see the original ownership notes.
I sat down hard on the edge of the bed the old book before the investors see the original ownership notes.*
I sat down hard on the edge of the bed.
For ten years, Beatrix had told me I should be grateful to belong to their family.
Ronan had told me I would never survive without him.
.
For ten years, Beatrix had told me I should be grateful to belong to their family.
Ronan had told me I would never survive without him.
And all the while, they had been discussing my work as if it were an asset to be transferred, a payment toAnd all the while, they had been discussing my work as if it were an asset to be transferred, a payment to be redirected, a problem to be eliminated.
My phone rang.
be redirected, a problem to be eliminated.
My phone rang.
Harriet.
“Esme, don't reply to that email or forward the attachment to anyone else. David has confirmed that Margaret has contacted him, and we'reHarriet.
“Esme, don't reply to that email or forward the attachment to anyone else. David has confirmed that Margaret has contacted him, and we're arranging to verify the original records.””
“Did you see the photograph?””
“Yes.””
arranging to verify the original records.””
“Did you see the photograph?””
“Yes.””
“Does it prove Ronan planned to use my name?””
“It may be important evidence, but we need the original email and its context.“Does it prove Ronan planned to use my name?””
“It may be important evidence, but we need the original email and its context. We also need to establish who created the document and whether it has been altered.””
I pressed a hand to my mouth.
We also need to establish who created the document and whether it has been altered.””
I pressed a hand to my mouth.
“What if he destroys the book?””
“Then we preserve the copies and any other evidence that exists“What if he destroys the book?””
“Then we preserve the copies and any other evidence that exists. Don't confront him.””
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me.
“I won't.””
After the call, I opened the photograph once. Don't confront him.””
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me.
“I won't.””
After the call, I opened the photograph once more.
There was a small detail in the lower corner that I hadn't noticed before.
A handwritten note, almost hidden beneath the edge more.
There was a small detail in the lower corner that I hadn't noticed before.
A handwritten note, almost hidden beneath the edge of the printed email.
It read:
*Ask Beatrix what happened to the first signed agreement.*
I stared of the printed email.
It read:
*Ask Beatrix what happened to the first signed agreement.*
I stared at the words.
The first signed agreement.
Not a draft.
Not a proposal.
A signed agreement acknowledging my rights to the at the words.
The first signed agreement.
Not a draft.
Not a proposal.
A signed agreement acknowledging my rights to the recipes and the development work.
I thought about Beatrix's handbag at the birthday dinner. The old recipe recipes and the development work.
I thought about Beatrix's handbag at the birthday dinner. The old recipe cards sticking out of its pocket. Her insistence that the recipes belonged to the family.
And suddenly, cards sticking out of its pocket. Her insistence that the recipes belonged to the family.
And suddenly, I understood why she had been so determined to get me back into the kitchen.
It wasn't only about I understood why she had been so determined to get me back into the kitchen.
It wasn't only about dinner.
It wasn't only about control.
She wanted to keep me where I had always been most useful: busy dinner.
It wasn't only about control.
She wanted to keep me where I had always been most useful: busy, exhausted, and too occupied serving everyone else to ask what they, exhausted, and too occupied serving everyone else to ask what they were hiding.
I looked at the clock.
Tomorrow afternoon, I would meet Margaret were hiding.
I looked at the clock.
Tomorrow afternoon, I would meet Margaret with the solicitors.
For the first time, there was a real possibility that the truth would finally be with the solicitors.
For the first time, there was a real possibility that the truth would finally be documented.
But before I could begin preparing for that meeting, another message arrived.
It was from Beatrix.
** documented.
But before I could begin preparing for that meeting, another message arrived.
It was from Beatrix.
**Come to my house at four. Alone. I have something that belongsCome to my house at four.
Alone. I have something that belongs to you.**
Then a second message appeared.
*If you want the truth about your recipes, don't to you.*
Then a second message appeared.
*If you want the truth about your recipes, don't tell Ronan I contacted you.*
I read both messages twice.
My former mother tell Ronan I contacted you.**
I read both messages twice.
My former mother-in-law had spent ten years treating me as though I had no rights beyond the duties she assigned me.
Now she was asking-in-law had spent ten years treating me as though I had no rights beyond the duties she assigned me.
Now she was asking to meet me in secret.
May you like
And whatever she had, she was afraid her own to meet me in secret.
And whatever she had, she was afraid her own son would find out.
