Chapter 11 - Sofia's Letter
Ethan opened the envelope with both hands.
The paper inside had been folded twice. Sofia's handwriting slanted across the page, fast and familiar.
Ethan,
If you're reading this, then I was right to be afraid.
His vision blurred.
Rachel pulled out a chair but said nothing.
Sofia wrote that, during the last months of her illness, she had discovered irregular withdrawals from an education trust created for Isabella. The trust had been funded by Sofia's father and could not legally be touched until Isabella was eighteen except for documented health or education expenses.
"Who had access?" Rachel asked.
"Sofia and me," Ethan said.
Then he reached the next paragraph.
I think someone has been copying your credentials. I changed what I could. I left the original records in my study because I didn't know who to trust.
Ethan stared at the page.
"Javier took boxes from Sofia's study."
Rachel leaned over his shoulder.
The final paragraph was shorter.
If anyone ever tries to convince you that Isabella is unstable, difficult, or better off away from you, listen to your daughter before you listen to paperwork. She notices more than adults think.
Ethan had to stop reading.
Isabella watched him from the couch.
"Was Mom mad at me?"
"No." He crossed the room and knelt in front of her. "Never. She was trying to protect you."
"Then why did Beatriz throw it away?"
That question was worse.
The flash drive required a password. Priya came over and bypassed the corrupted directory within an hour.
Folders appeared.
TRUST.
MORROW.
HOUSE.
E.C. SIGNATURES.
Inside were scanned documents carrying Ethan's forged name, invoices from Dr. Morrow, and photographs of Sofia's financial files.
One audio file was dated three months ago.
Beatriz's voice came through the laptop speakers.
"If Ethan believes the behavior reports, he'll sign residential treatment himself."
Javier answered, "And if he doesn't?"
"Then we make him look neglectful. He's gone half the year anyway."
"What about the trust?"
A pause.
Then Beatriz said, "Once Isabella is classified as needing long-term care, the money starts moving."
Rachel swore under her breath.
Ethan sat completely still.
Then another man's voice entered the recording.
Calm. Educated. Familiar.
May you like
"You promised me this would never become criminal."
Dr. Marcus Morrow.
