Chapter 5: The Woman They Erased

Noah handed Clara one final envelope.
"This wasn't from my father."
"It was from your mother."
Clara's hands shook.
Her mother had supposedly died in a boating accident thirteen years earlier.
Inside was a handwritten letter.
If you're reading this... Richard finally lost control.
Your accident wasn't fate.
Someone wanted you dependent.
Trust Alan.
Never trust your father.
Signed...
Mom.
Tears blurred every word.
Richard lunged forward.
"Don't read another line!"
Police officers restrained him.
The detective quietly asked,
May you like
"Mr. Whitmore... would you like to explain why your late wife's fingerprints appear on documents filed years after her reported death?"
Richard said nothing.