Chapter 4 - Behind the Wall
The blue room was hidden behind a wooden panel.
Julian had lived in the house for thirty years and never known it existed.
The key opened a narrow metal lock.
The panel moved.
Dust filled the air.
Inside was a small room with faded blue wallpaper.
A crib stood against one wall.
Julian stopped breathing.
A stuffed bluebird rested inside it.
Beside the crib sat a wooden box.
On the floor were photographs.
Claire.
Claire holding Lily.
Claire pregnant.
Claire asleep on a sofa.
Claire standing beside someone whose face had been cut away from every photograph.
Julian crouched.
His hands shook.
He picked up one picture.
Claire was smiling at the camera.
On the back she had written:
For Julian.
So he remembers that love existed before fear.
Julian closed his eyes.
He had never received the photograph.
Someone had taken it.
There was another note.
He unfolded it.
If I disappear, protect our daughter.
Not from strangers.
From the family.
Julian read it twice.
Then again.
Footsteps sounded behind him.
He turned.
Nora stood in the doorway.
“You shouldn't be here.”
“You brought me here.”
“No.”
“Lily did.”
Nora stared at the photographs.
“She was never supposed to know this room existed.”
Julian looked at her.
“Did Claire leave Lily with you?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
Nora’s eyes filled.
“Thomas.”
Julian’s anger flared.
“Thomas knew where she was.”
“He knew Lily was in danger.”
“What happened to Claire?”
“I don't know.”
“Tell me everything.”
Nora took a breath.
“Claire believed someone inside the family was selling information to your enemies.”
“Who?”
“She suspected Vincent.”
Julian felt the room become colder.
“Your father?”
“My father had already been dead for years.”
Nora looked at him.
“No.”
She whispered,
May you like
“I meant your uncle.”
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