Chapter 9 - The Voice She Never Forgot
Clara began crying immediately.
Evelyn’s voice broke.
“I know.”
“Why didn’t you come back?”
“I wanted to.”
“You left me.”
“I know.”
“You let me think you were dead.”
“I know.”
Clara pressed both hands against the old speaker.
“I hate you.”
The words hurt both of them.
But Evelyn answered softly.
“You’re allowed to.”
Clara cried harder.
Then Evelyn’s voice became serious.
“Listen carefully.”
Clara wiped her face.
“Daniel and Vanessa cannot know we spoke.”
“Daddy hurt you.”
Silence.
“Didn’t he?”
Evelyn exhaled slowly.
“Yes.”
Clara closed her eyes.
“Did he push your car?”
“No.”
The answer surprised her.
“What happened?”
“I’ll tell you when you’re safe.”
“Arthur said there’s evidence.”
“There is.”
“Locker 317?”
Another pause.
“How do you know that?”
“Arthur told me.”
Evelyn sounded worried.
“Arthur wasn’t supposed to tell you yet.”
“Vanessa wants to send me away.”
“That changes things.”
Clara heard papers moving.
“Your father needs access to one final portion of the Whitmore Trust.”
“What portion?”
“Yours.”
Clara did not understand.
Evelyn explained that after her disappearance, most voting authority transferred temporarily to Daniel.
But a final block of shares had been placed in Clara’s name.
Daniel could control those shares only if Clara’s legal guardian received court approval.
“Vanessa?”
“Yes.”
“So that’s why Daddy married her?”
“Partly.”
Clara felt sick.
“Does he love her?”
“I don’t know.”
Footsteps sounded in the hallway.
Clara whispered, “Someone’s coming.”
Evelyn spoke quickly.
“Clara, tomorrow there will be a charity dinner at the estate.”
Clara remembered.
Daniel had invited investors and judges.
“Go to your mother’s greenhouse at eight-fifteen.”
“Why?”
“Someone will meet you.”
“Who?”
The bedroom door handle moved.
Evelyn whispered, “Someone Daniel thinks disappeared forever.”
Clara released the button.
Vanessa entered.
She looked around.
“Talking to someone?”
Clara shook her head.
Vanessa approached the nursery wall.
Her eyes rested on the antique call box.
Clara’s heartbeat thundered.
Vanessa touched it.
Then smiled.
“I used to play with one of these at my grandmother’s house.”
She pressed the button.
Nothing happened.
Clara had already switched the hidden disconnect lever.
Vanessa turned away.
“Get some sleep.”
She reached the door.
Then stopped.
“Oh, Clara?”
“Yes?”
“If your mother were alive, she would have come for you.”
The words landed exactly where Vanessa intended.
She left.
Clara stared at the closed door.
May you like
Then whispered into the darkness.
“She is coming.”
