Chapter 9: The Last Lie Before the Truth
Emma couldn't breathe.
The image of the: The Last Lie Before the Truth
Emma couldn't breathe.
The image of the masked man standing over Daniel's hospital bed kept replaying in her mind.
She grabbed Adrian's arm.
"Call the hospital!""
He was already dialing.
" masked man standing over Daniel's hospital bed kept replaying in her mind.
She grabbed Adrian's arm.
"Call the hospital!""
He was already dialing.
"Marcus, get to St. Mary's immediately. Daniel's room. Send everyMarcus, get to St.
Mary's immediately. Daniel's room. Send every available officer.""
A voice answered.
"Sir, we're already there.""
"What's happening?""
"An attempted break available officer.""
A voice answered.
"Sir, we're already there.""
"What's happening?""
"An attempted break-in. The suspect escaped through the service entrance.""
"Is Daniel alive?""
A pause.
Then Marcus answered.
"Yes,-in. The suspect escaped through the service entrance.""
"Is Daniel alive?""
A pause.
Then Marcus answered.
"Yes, sir. He's safe.""
Emma closed her eyes.
Her knees nearly gave way.
Adrian caught her before she fell.
" sir. He's safe.""
Emma closed her eyes.
Her knees nearly gave way.
Adrian caught her before she fell.
"He's alive," he whispered.
She covered her face.
For several seconds, she couldn't speak.
Then sheHe's alive," he whispered.
She covered her face.
For several seconds, she couldn't speak.
Then she looked at Edward.
He was standing beside the desk, watching them with an expression of mild amusement.
"You nearly killed him," Emma said.
Edward adjusted his cuff looked at Edward.
He was standing beside the desk, watching them with an expression of mild amusement.
"You nearly killed him," Emma said.
Edward adjusted his cufflinks.
"Nearly is a very useful word.""
Adrian stepped toward him.
"Where is Vanessa?""
Edward smiled.
"She'slinks.
"Nearly is a very useful word.""
Adrian stepped toward him.
"Where is Vanessa?""
Edward smiled.
"She's already gone.""
"Where?""
"Somewhere you won't find her.""
Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
"Tell me!""
Edward didn't struggle.
Instead, already gone.""
"Where?""
"Somewhere you won't find her.""
Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
"Tell me!""
Edward didn't struggle.
Instead, he looked at Adrian with something resembling pity.
"You still think this is about he looked at Adrian with something resembling pity.
"You still think this is about Vanessa.""
Adrian released him.
"What does that mean?""
Edward opened the steel cabinet.
Inside were dozens of folders.
Company records.
Bank statements.
Phot Vanessa.""
Adrian released him.
"What does that mean?""
Edward opened the steel cabinet.
Inside were dozens of folders.
Company records.
Bank statements.
Photographs.
And a collection of passports.
Emma noticed one name immediately.
Thomas Reed.
There were three different passports bearing the same photograph.
"Whyographs.
And a collection of passports.
Emma noticed one name immediately.
Thomas Reed.
There were three different passports bearing the same photograph.
"Why do you have Thomas's documents?""
Edward smiled.
"Because Thomas was never just a nurse.""
Adrian frowned do you have Thomas's documents?""
Edward smiled.
"Because Thomas was never just a nurse.""
Adrian frowned.
"What are you talking about?""
Edward removed another folder.
Inside was a photograph of Thomas standing beside Richard Blackwood and Victor Hale.
The date was eleven years earlier.
"What are you talking about?""
Edward removed another folder.
Inside was a photograph of Thomas standing beside Richard Blackwood and Victor Hale.
The date was eleven years earlier.
"Thomas was the person who moved Daniel out of St. Mary's," Edward explained.
"He helped.
"Thomas was the person who moved Daniel out of St. Mary's," Edward explained.
"He helped us make the transfer appear legitimate.""
Emma shook her head.
"He said he was protecting my father.""
"Perhaps he was. Eventually.""
"Eventually us make the transfer appear legitimate.""
Emma shook her head.
"He said he was protecting my father.""
"Perhaps he was. Eventually.""
"Eventually?""
Edward chuckled.
"People change loyalties when the money runs out.""
Adrian studied the photograph.
"Thomas worked for you?""
"For years.""
"Then?""
Edward chuckled.
"People change loyalties when the money runs out.""
Adrian studied the photograph.
"Thomas worked for you?""
"For years.""
"Then why did he help us find Daniel?""
"Because he realized the company was about to collapse, and he wanted insurance.""
Emma felt sick.
"You're lying.""
Edward why did he help us find Daniel?""
"Because he realized the company was about to collapse, and he wanted insurance.""
Emma felt sick.
"You're lying.""
Edward shrugged.
"Believe whatever makes you comfortable.""
Adrian turned toward the desk.
There was a telephone connected to an internal shrugged.
"Believe whatever makes you comfortable.""
Adrian turned toward the desk.
There was a telephone connected to an internal line.
He picked it up.
"Marcus, I need Thomas Reed located immediately.""
Edward line.
He picked it up.
"Marcus, I need Thomas Reed located immediately.""
Edward laughed.
"You're wasting your time.""
"Why?""
"Because Thomas isn't at the hospital.""
Adrian froze.
Edward leaned closer laughed.
"You're wasting your time.""
"Why?""
"Because Thomas isn't at the hospital.""
Adrian froze.
Edward leaned closer.
"He's at your house.""
At the hospital, Daniel was awake when.
"He's at your house.""
At the hospital, Daniel was awake when Emma and Adrian arrived.
A nurse was checking his blood pressure.
He looked exhausted, but his eyes brightened when Emma entered Emma and Adrian arrived.
A nurse was checking his blood pressure.
He looked exhausted, but his eyes brightened when Emma entered.
"Sweetheart.""
Emma hurried to his bedside.
She held his hand.
".
"Sweetheart.""
Emma hurried to his bedside.
She held his hand.
"You're safe.""
Daniel gave her a tired smile.
"Apparently, I have become a difficult man to getYou're safe.""
Daniel gave her a tired smile.
"Apparently, I have become a difficult man to get rid of.""
She laughed through her tears.
Adrian stood near the doorway.
Daniel noticed him.
"Come rid of.""
She laughed through her tears.
Adrian stood near the doorway.
Daniel noticed him.
"Come here, son.""
Adrian approached slowly.
"Mr. Carter.""
Daniel studied his face.
"You here, son.""
Adrian approached slowly.
"Mr. Carter.""
Daniel studied his face.
"You look terrible.""
Adrian gave a faint smile.
"I've had a difficult day.""
"Good. Perhaps you'll finally learn something.""
Emma wiped look terrible.""
Adrian gave a faint smile.
"I've had a difficult day.""
"Good. Perhaps you'll finally learn something.""
Emma wiped her cheeks.
Daniel continued.
"Did you find Edward?""
"Yes.""
"Did he tell her cheeks.
Daniel continued.
"Did you find Edward?""
"Yes.""
"Did he tell you about Thomas?""
Adrian nodded.
"He claims Thomas worked for him.""
Daniel looked toward the window.
"That's true.""
Emma turned.
"Dad?""
you about Thomas?""
Adrian nodded.
"He claims Thomas worked for him.""
Daniel looked toward the window.
"That's true.""
Emma turned.
"Dad?""
Daniel squeezed her hand.
"Thomas was the one who transferred me from St. Mary's. He was paid to keepDaniel squeezed her hand.
"Thomas was the one who transferred me from St. Mary's. He was paid to keep me hidden.""
"Then why did he help you?""
"Because he changed his mind.""
"Why?""
Daniel took a breath.
"Because he discovered that Edward intended to kill me me hidden.""
"Then why did he help you?""
"Because he changed his mind.""
"Why?""
Daniel took a breath.
"Because he discovered that Edward intended to kill me.""
Adrian moved closer.
"Did Thomas know about the accident?""
Daniel nodded.
"He was the.""
Adrian moved closer.
"Did Thomas know about the accident?""
Daniel nodded.
"He was the second driver.""
Emma stared.
"What?""
Daniel closed his eyes.
"Your father didn't die in the warehouse. I was in the car with Adrian, second driver.""
Emma stared.
"What?""
Daniel closed his eyes.
"Your father didn't die in the warehouse. I was in the car with Adrian, but Thomas was driving a second vehicle behind us. He was supposed to make sure we reached the mountain road.""
Adrian's face tightened.
"I remember another but Thomas was driving a second vehicle behind us. He was supposed to make sure we reached the mountain road.""
Adrian's face tightened.
"I remember another car.""
Daniel nodded.
"Victor was driving your car. Thomas was following us. When Victor tampered with the brakes, Thomas was supposed car.""
Daniel nodded.
"Victor was driving your car. Thomas was following us. When Victor tampered with the brakes, Thomas was supposed to block the road.""
"Then why didn't he?""
"Because he saw what Victor was doing.""
Daniel looked at Emma.
"He tried to stop him.""
Emma's voice trem to block the road.""
"Then why didn't he?""
"Because he saw what Victor was doing.""
Daniel looked at Emma.
"He tried to stop him.""
Emma's voice trembled.
"Did he save you?""
"He pulled me out of the wreckage.""
Adrian stared atbled.
"Did he save you?""
"He pulled me out of the wreckage.""
Adrian stared at the floor.
"And left me?""
Daniel shook his head.
"No. He tried to save you too the floor.
"And left me?""
Daniel shook his head.
"No. He tried to save you too. But Victor had already dragged you away.""
Adrian looked up.
"Victor took me?""
"Yes. He wanted you to believe Daniel had been responsible for the accident.""
Emma felt her head spinning. But Victor had already dragged you away.""
Adrian looked up.
"Victor took me?""
"Yes. He wanted you to believe Daniel had been responsible for the accident.""
Emma felt her head spinning.
"Then why did Dad disappear?""
Daniel answered quietly.
"Because Edward needed someone to blame.
"Then why did Dad disappear?""
Daniel answered quietly.
"Because Edward needed someone to blame. He had already arranged for the police to find evidence connecting me to the stolen company documents.""
"Why didn't you come home?""
Daniel's eyes filled.
". He had already arranged for the police to find evidence connecting me to the stolen company documents.""
"Why didn't you come home?""
Daniel's eyes filled.
"Because Edward threatened to kill you if I did.""
Emma leaned forward.
"Who threatened you?""
"VictorBecause Edward threatened to kill you if I did.""
Emma leaned forward.
"Who threatened you?""
"Victor. He showed me photographs of you leaving school. He knew your address, your mother's workplace, everything.""
Emma. He showed me photographs of you leaving school. He knew your address, your mother's workplace, everything.""
Emma looked at Adrian.
For the first time, she understood why Daniel had stayed away.
He had not abandoned looked at Adrian.
For the first time, she understood why Daniel had stayed away.
He had not abandoned his family.
He had been forced to choose between returning home and keeping his daughter alive.
Daniel his family.
He had been forced to choose between returning home and keeping his daughter alive.
Daniel continued.
"But there's something else.""
Adrian pulled a chair closer.
"What?""
Daniel looked at him.
"Your father knew.""
Adrian's expression changed continued.
"But there's something else.""
Adrian pulled a chair closer.
"What?""
Daniel looked at him.
"Your father knew.""
Adrian's expression changed.
"Richard?""
"Yes. He discovered what Edward had done after the accident.""
"Then why didn't he stop him?""
"Because Edward threatened.
"Richard?""
"Yes. He discovered what Edward had done after the accident.""
"Then why didn't he stop him?""
"Because Edward threatened to expose the financial crimes Richard had committed years earlier.""
Adrian sat down.
"My father was involved?""
Daniel nodded.
"He helped to expose the financial crimes Richard had committed years earlier.""
Adrian sat down.
"My father was involved?""
Daniel nodded.
"He helped create the accounts. He didn't know Edward intended to use them to finance the security network. But when create the accounts.
He didn't know Edward intended to use them to finance the security network. But when he discovered the truth, he was trapped.""
Emma looked at the old man.
"Did Richard try to help you?""
Daniel nodded.
"He he discovered the truth, he was trapped.""
Emma looked at the old man.
"Did Richard try to help you?""
Daniel nodded.
"He secretly paid for my treatment. He arranged for Thomas to bring me medicine. He even sent me letters.""
Adrian's eyes filled.
"Why didn't I know secretly paid for my treatment. He arranged for Thomas to bring me medicine. He even sent me letters.""
Adrian's eyes filled.
"Why didn't I know?""
"Because he didn't want you involved.""
Daniel reached beneath his pillow and removed a small envelope.
"This was the last letter he sent me.""
Adrian?""
"Because he didn't want you involved.""
Daniel reached beneath his pillow and removed a small envelope.
"This was the last letter he sent me.""
Adrian opened it.
The handwriting was unmistakable.
Daniel,
*I have failed my son. I have failed your family. I allowed Edward to turn our company into something opened it.
The handwriting was unmistakable.
Daniel,
I have failed my son. I have failed your family. I allowed Edward to turn our company into something monstrous.
I cannot undo what has happened, but I can leave behind the evidence that will expose him.
There is one thing I have never told Adrian.
The woman he monstrous.
I cannot undo what has happened, but I can leave behind the evidence that will expose him.
There is one thing I have never told Adrian.
The woman he believes was his fiancée was never chosen by him alone.
Adrian stopped reading.
Emma looked at him.
"What does that mean?""
He believes was his fiancée was never chosen by him alone.*
Adrian stopped reading.
Emma looked at him.
"What does that mean?""
He continued.
*Vanessa was introduced to Adrian by Edward. Her original assignment was to monitor his business decisions and report any attempt continued.
Vanessa was introduced to Adrian by Edward. Her original assignment was to monitor his business decisions and report any attempt to investigate the accounts.
She was never meant to become his wife.
But she became involved in something much more dangerous.
Adrian turned the page to investigate the accounts.*
She was never meant to become his wife.
But she became involved in something much more dangerous.
Adrian turned the page.
The final paragraph contained a name.
*CLARA BLACKWOOD.*
Emma looked at Adrian.
"Your sister?""
He nodded slowly.
"Yes.""
Daniel's expression.
The final paragraph contained a name.
*CLARA BLACKWOOD.*
Emma looked at Adrian.
"Your sister?""
He nodded slowly.
"Yes.""
Daniel's expression darkened.
"Clara was the person who introduced Vanessa to your family. She knew about the accounts from the beginning.""
Adrian stared at the letter.
"Why darkened.
"Clara was the person who introduced Vanessa to your family. She knew about the accounts from the beginning.""
Adrian stared at the letter.
"Why would my sister help them?""
Daniel looked away.
"Because Edward promised her the company.""
would my sister help them?""
Daniel looked away.
"Because Edward promised her the company.""
Clara Blackwood was waiting in Adrian's office when they returned to the estate.
She stood beside the desk, holding a folder.
Her expression was calm.
Clara Blackwood was waiting in Adrian's office when they returned to the estate.
She stood beside the desk, holding a folder.
Her expression was calm.
Almost too calm.
Adrian entered first.
"Sit down.""
Clara raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?""
"Sit.""
She placed the folder onAlmost too calm.
Adrian entered first.
"Sit down.""
Clara raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?""
"Sit.""
She placed the folder on the desk.
"I assume you've spoken to Daniel.""
Adrian stopped.
"How do you know?""
the desk.
"I assume you've spoken to Daniel.""
Adrian stopped.
"How do you know?""
"Because Edward called me.""
Emma stepped forward.
"You knew where he was?""
Clara looked at her.
"I knew he had"Because Edward called me.""
Emma stepped forward.
"You knew where he was?""
Clara looked at her.
"I knew he had returned.""
"And you knew about my father?""
Clara didn't answer.
Adrian moved closer.
"Did you help Edward arrange my accident?""
Clara laughed softly returned.""
"And you knew about my father?""
Clara didn't answer.
Adrian moved closer.
"Did you help Edward arrange my accident?""
Clara laughed softly.
"Don't be ridiculous.""
"Did you introduce Vanessa to me?""
"Yes.""
"Why?""
"Because I thought she was suitable.""
.
"Don't be ridiculous.""
"Did you introduce Vanessa to me?""
"Yes.""
"Why?""
"Because I thought she was suitable.""
"That's not an answer.""
Clara opened the folder.
Inside were several financial documents.
"Your father was going to destroy the company. Edward wanted someone capable of taking"That's not an answer.""
Clara opened the folder.
Inside were several financial documents.
"Your father was going to destroy the company. Edward wanted someone capable of taking over. I helped him because I believed it was the only way to protect our inheritance.""
Adrian stared at her.
"You helped them nearly kill me.""
Clara's expression hardened.
"You over. I helped him because I believed it was the only way to protect our inheritance.""
Adrian stared at her.
"You helped them nearly kill me.""
Clara's expression hardened.
"You were never supposed to die.""
The room went silent.
Emma looked at her in disbelief.
"What?""
Clara turned toward her.
"Edward wanted were never supposed to die.""
The room went silent.
Emma looked at her in disbelief.
"What?""
Clara turned toward her.
"Edward wanted Adrian out of the company, not dead.""
"That's supposed to make it better?""
Clara ignored her.
"The plan Adrian out of the company, not dead.""
"That's supposed to make it better?""
Clara ignored her.
"The plan was to leave him injured enough that he would never be able to challenge the board. Vanessa was supposed to manage the transition was to leave him injured enough that he would never be able to challenge the board. Vanessa was supposed to manage the transition.""
Adrian's hands tightened.
"You knew I could recover?""
.""
Adrian's hands tightened.
"You knew I could recover?""
"Eventually, yes.""
"And you knew Vanessa was planning to push me down the stairs?""
Clara"Eventually, yes.""
"And you knew Vanessa was planning to push me down the stairs?""
Clara looked away.
"I knew she was becoming unstable.""
Adrian stared at his sister looked away.
"I knew she was becoming unstable.""
Adrian stared at his sister.
"She could have killed me.""
"She was angry.""
"Angry?""
His voice rose.
"You watched me.
"She could have killed me.""
"She was angry.""
"Angry?""
His voice rose.
"You watched me sit in that wheelchair for seven months. You attended family dinners and told everyone how brave I was. You knew I could walk, and you said nothing.""
Clara sit in that wheelchair for seven months. You attended family dinners and told everyone how brave I was. You knew I could walk, and you said nothing.""
Clara folded her arms.
"Because you were supposed to remain weak.""
Emma stepped forward.
"You disgust me.""
Clara folded her arms.
"Because you were supposed to remain weak.""
Emma stepped forward.
"You disgust me.""
Clara looked at her.
"You don't understand how this family works.""
"No. I understand exactly how it works. People like you destroy looked at her.
"You don't understand how this family works.""
"No. I understand exactly how it works. People like you destroy innocent lives and call it business.""
Clara slammed the folder onto the desk.
"Do you think innocent lives and call it business.""
Clara slammed the folder onto the desk.
"Do you think you're going to walk away with a happy ending? Your father is alive, yes you're going to walk away with a happy ending? Your father is alive, yes. But he is still legally dead.
The company records say he. But he is still legally dead. The company records say he died eleven years ago.
The hospital documents were altered. His identity was erased.""
Emma stared at her.
"Then we'll prove what happened.""
Clara smiled.
"With what died eleven years ago. The hospital documents were altered. His identity was erased.""
Emma stared at her.
"Then we'll prove what happened.""
Clara smiled.
"With what evidence?""
Adrian reached into his jacket.
He placed a small recording device on the desk.
Clara's expression changed.
"What's that?""
"Your confession.""
She evidence?""
Adrian reached into his jacket.
He placed a small recording device on the desk.
Clara's expression changed.
"What's that?""
"Your confession.""
She stared at the device.
Adrian continued.
"Every word you said has been recorded.""
Clara rushed toward it.
Emma stepped between them.
"Don't.""
Clara stopped.
For stared at the device.
Adrian continued.
"Every word you said has been recorded.""
Clara rushed toward it.
Emma stepped between them.
"Don't.""
Clara stopped.
For the first time, fear appeared on her face.
Adrian picked up the device.
"Marcus has already sent the first time, fear appeared on her face.
Adrian picked up the device.
"Marcus has already sent a copy to the police.""
Clara slowly backed away.
"You wouldn't turn against your own sister.""
Adrian looked at her.
"You turned against me first.""
The a copy to the police.""
Clara slowly backed away.
"You wouldn't turn against your own sister.""
Adrian looked at her.
"You turned against me first.""
The office door opened.
Marcus entered with two police officers.
"Clara Blackwood, you're being detained for questioning in connection with the attempted murder of Adrian Blackwood, financial fraud office door opened.
Marcus entered with two police officers.
"Clara Blackwood, you're being detained for questioning in connection with the attempted murder of Adrian Blackwood, financial fraud, and the unlawful confinement of Daniel Carter.""
Clara looked at Adrian.
"You think you've won?""
"No," he replied.
"I think the truth has finally started.""
The, and the unlawful confinement of Daniel Carter.""
Clara looked at Adrian.
"You think you've won?""
"No," he replied.
"I think the truth has finally started.""
The officers escorted her out.
Emma exhaled.
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then Adrian's phone vibrated.
A message appeared.
Unknown number.
officers escorted her out.
Emma exhaled.
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then Adrian's phone vibrated.
A message appeared.
Unknown number.
You have the wrong woman.
A second message followed.
Clara wasYou have the wrong woman.*
A second message followed.
Clara was never the person who signed the original order.
Adrian frowned.
Then a photograph appeared.
It showed a document bearing his never the person who signed the original order.*
Adrian frowned.
Then a photograph appeared.
It showed a document bearing his own signature.
The original transfer authorization.
But this time, there was a second page attached.
At the bottom was a handwritten note.
*Approved own signature.
The original transfer authorization.
But this time, there was a second page attached.
At the bottom was a handwritten note.
Approved by Adrian Blackwood. Witnessed by Emma Carter.
Emma stared at it.
"What?""
Adrian zoomed in.
The signature beside hers was unmistakable.
by Adrian Blackwood. Witnessed by Emma Carter.*
Emma stared at it.
"What?""
Adrian zoomed in.
The signature beside hers was unmistakable.
But Emma had never seen that document before.
Then she noticed the date.
It was dated three weeks before theBut Emma had never seen that document before.
Then she noticed the date.
It was dated three weeks before the accident.
And the final line read:
*THE PATIENT MUST NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RETURN HOME.*
Adrian looked at Emma.
"Someone accident.
And the final line read:
*THE PATIENT MUST NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RETURN HOME.*
Adrian looked at Emma.
"Someone forged your signature.""
She shook her head.
"Who would have access to it?""
Neither answered.
Then Marcus returned, carrying another envelope.
"Sir, forged your signature.""
She shook her head.
"Who would have access to it?""
Neither answered.
Then Marcus returned, carrying another envelope.
"Sir, the police found this in Clara's office.""
Adrian opened it.
Inside was a photograph of a young woman standing outside a hospital.
A woman Emma the police found this in Clara's office.""
Adrian opened it.
Inside was a photograph of a young woman standing outside a hospital.
A woman Emma recognized.
Her mother.
Margaret Carter.
On the back, someone had written:
*She knows recognized.
Her mother.
Margaret Carter.
On the back, someone had written:
She knows who really signed the order.
Emma's phone began ringing.
It was her mother.
She answered immediately.
"Mom?""
who really signed the order.*
Emma's phone began ringing.
It was her mother.
She answered immediately.
"Mom?""
Margaret was crying.
"Emma, sweetheart, listenMargaret was crying.
"Emma, sweetheart, listen carefully.""
"What's wrong?""
"Someone is outside the apartment.""
"Call the police!""
"I already did.""
"Then stay inside!""
Her mother whispered something that made Emma's blood turn carefully.""
"What's wrong?""
"Someone is outside the apartment.""
"Call the police!""
"I already did.""
"Then stay inside!""
Her mother whispered something that made Emma's blood turn cold.
"There's something I never told you about your father's accident.""
"What?""
"The night Daniel disappeared, I wasn't at home.""
Emma froze.
"Where were you?""
cold.
"There's something I never told you about your father's accident.""
"What?""
"The night Daniel disappeared, I wasn't at home.""
Emma froze.
"Where were you?""
Margaret's voice broke.
"I was in the car.""
A pause.
Then she said:
"And I was the one who gave Victor Hale theMargaret's voice broke.
"I was in the car.""
A pause.
Then she said:
"And I was the one who gave Victor Hale the keys.""
The call disconnected.
Emma stared at the phone.
Adrian reached for her hand.
But before he could speak, another message arrived.
This time, it contained a live photograph.
Marg keys.""
The call disconnected.
Emma stared at the phone.
Adrian reached for her hand.
But before he could speak, another message arrived.
This time, it contained a live photograph.
Margaret was standing outside the apartment building.
Beside her was a man Emma thought had been dead for twenty years.
Richard Blackwood.
And beneath thearet was standing outside the apartment building.
Beside her was a man Emma thought had been dead for twenty years.
Richard Blackwood.
And beneath the photograph were six words.
*YOUR MOTHER HAS BEEN LYING ALL ALONG.*
May you like
photograph were six words.
*YOUR MOTHER HAS BEEN LYING ALL ALONG.*
