Chapter 3 - THE LETTER FROM MOM
Harold brought the original letter to the police station.
He allowed me to read a copy.
Mom’s handwriting shook near the end.
My daughters,
If this letter is being opened, then something has happened that I prayed never would.
Vanessa has become increasingly obsessed with the Bellamy shares.
She believes Claire received more from me during my lifetime.
That is not true.
The difference between what I gave each of them was temporary and connected to medical expenses Claire helped me manage.
I fear Vanessa has begun listening to Derek more than to her own judgment.
Derek has asked questions about whether one beneficiary can inherit another beneficiary’s portion before distribution.
I found those questions disturbing.
I have instructed Harold to protect both daughters’ interests separately until the trust closes.
I hope I am being overly cautious.
I hope this letter is never read.
Love,
Mom.
I read it twice.
Then a third time.
Derek had asked about my inheritance before he married Vanessa.
“He knew.”
Marissa said.
“Maybe he just wanted financial information.”
I hated how quickly I defended my sister.
Marissa did not challenge me.
She only asked, “Did Vanessa know about this letter?”
“No.”
“Did Derek?”
“I don’t think so.”
Aaron was interviewed that afternoon.
He confirmed something else.
Derek had spent most of the wedding reception drinking very little.
That surprised me.
Derek loved expensive bourbon.
But on his wedding night, while everyone else celebrated, he stayed almost completely sober.
Aaron also remembered him repeatedly checking where I was standing.
“He asked me twice whether Claire was still near the head table.”
Aaron told detectives.
“He said he wanted the cannon shot on video.”
Then police reviewed more footage.
A second guest had recorded the moments immediately before the blast.
In the background, Vanessa walked toward me.
She took my right arm.
She laughed.
She repositioned me.
Then she stepped away.
Exactly where Derek’s text instructed her to.
My sister had placed me on his left.
I watched the clip in the interview room.
Once.
Twice.
The third time, I noticed something else.
After the cannon exploded, Vanessa did not look surprised.
She looked at Derek.
And Derek gave her a small nod.
Marissa paused the video.
“There.”
She enlarged the frame.
Vanessa’s expression was not laughter.
It was relief.
Then another officer entered.
He whispered something to Marissa.
Her face changed.
“What happened?”
She turned toward me.
“Derek just reported the cannon stolen.”
I stared at her.
“Aaron already gave it to you.”
May you like
“I know.”
“He’s claiming somebody replaced the real cannon with a modified one after the wedding.”
