Chapter 2: My Father's Last Words
Chapter 2: My Father's Last Words
Nobody spoke while I carried the lockbox downstairs.
Vanessa tried to snatch it.
Marcus stopped her with one arm.
"You've touched enough."
The flash drive fit perfectly into Father's office computer.
The screen flickered.
Then my father's face appeared.
He looked tired.
Older than I remembered.
But his eyes were steady.
"If you're watching this, Claire..."
"...then I wasn't given the time I hoped for."
I couldn't breathe.
"I've suspected for months that someone is altering my financial records."
The room became perfectly still.
"I hired two independent investigators."
He lifted several folders toward the camera.
"If these records disappear, the copies are hidden where only Evelyn can lead you."
Grandma closed her eyes.
She had known.
Father continued.
"Vanessa has pressured me repeatedly to transfer ownership of the estate."
Another pause.
"I refused."
Vanessa's breathing grew louder.
"If documents suddenly appear bearing my signature after my death..."
"...they are forged."
The recording ended with one final sentence.
"Claire...protect your grandmother. She is the only witness who knows everything."
Vanessa lunged for the keyboard.
"You can't use this! It proves nothing!"
"It proves enough," I answered.
Outside, the sound of police sirens echoed through the neighborhood.
Marcus lowered his phone.
"I called them thirty minutes ago."
The officers entered alongside Dr. Benson, the family physician.
He immediately examined Grandma's wrists.
His expression hardened.
"These injuries are consistent with prolonged restraint."
He looked directly at the officers.
"I'll sign that statement under oath."
Vanessa finally lost the composure she had worn like expensive perfume.
She screamed.
She blamed Marcus.
She blamed Rosa.
She blamed Grandma.
May you like
Then she blamed me.
But lies grow louder only when truth begins speaking.
