Chapter 5 - Isabella’s Story
The police sealed the west wing of the mansion before midnight.
Isabella sat in the drawing room with her attorney on speakerphone and denied everything.
“That handkerchief was stolen,” she said. “I lost it weeks ago.”
William stood across from her. “Convenient.”
“You’re letting panic turn you against me.”
“My daughter was locked in a wall.”
“I did not lock her in there.”
“You grabbed her when Emma tried to get her out.”
“Because she was hysterical.”
“You said she wasn’t supposed to be in there.”
Isabella’s mouth tightened. “I meant she wasn’t supposed to wander into restricted spaces.”
Emma gave a short, humorless laugh.
Isabella looked at her. “You’ve worked in this house for nine months. Do not pretend you understand this family.”
Emma stepped forward. “I understand a scared child when I see one.”
William raised a hand. “Enough.”
He placed Claire’s first letter on the table.
Isabella stared at it.
That was all he needed.
“You knew about the letters.”
“No.”
“You recognized the paper.”
“I recognized Claire’s handwriting.”
“You never saw the page.”
Silence.
Marcus, standing near the fireplace, suddenly spoke. “William, the initials in the letter could mean anything.”
William turned. “M.V. and I.C.”
Marcus spread his hands. “There are thousands of people with those initials.”
“In my foundation?”
Marcus did not answer.
Charlotte was upstairs with a pediatric nurse and two officers. William wanted to be with her, but he also knew every minute gave someone time to destroy evidence.
Daniel entered carrying a sealed envelope.
“This is what Claire gave me.”
William opened it.
Inside was a memory card and a note.
The note read: If William is hearing this, I failed to tell him myself. Play the recording somewhere no one can interrupt you.
They loaded the card into a laptop.
Claire’s voice filled the room.
“William, if you’re hearing this, I need you to believe me before you believe the doctors.”
Isabella stood so fast her chair fell over.
“Turn that off.”
William stared at her.
May you like
Claire’s recording continued.
“The person helping Marcus move the money is someone you plan to marry.”
