Chapter 16 - The Meeting After the Funeral|
Vivien had been in federal custody for four months.
The investigation had uncovered her role in concealing evidence, but prosecutors were still building the case against the people who had financed the operation.
Marcus arranged a supervised meeting.
Norah initially objected.
"Why do you need to see her?"
"Because she may know something about Evelyn's final weeks."
"She has lied to you repeatedly."
"I know."
"Then why trust her?"
Marcus looked at the photograph.
"Because I don't intend to trust her. I intend to ask questions."
The meeting took place in a secure federal facility.
Vivien entered wearing a plain gray sweater.
She looked smaller.
Older.
When she saw Marcus, her eyes filled.
"You came."
"Don't mistake this for forgiveness."
She nodded.
Norah placed the photograph on the table.
Vivien looked at it.
Her expression changed.
"Where did you get this?"
"From my mother," Norah replied.
Vivien turned toward her.
"Margaret Bellamy?"
Norah nodded.
For several seconds, Vivien said nothing.
Then she lowered her head.
"Evelyn came to see me after the accident."
Marcus leaned forward.
"Why?"
"She had survived."
Norah felt her breath catch.
"What?"
Vivien looked at Marcus.
"Your wife was alive when she left the hospital."
Marcus stared at her.
"That's impossible."
"She was injured, but alive. Peter told me she had been taken to another facility."
"Then where did she go?"
Vivien's voice broke.
"I don't know."
Marcus gripped the table.
"You're telling me my wife survived the accident and disappeared?"
"I was told she died during transport."
"By whom?"
Vivien closed her eyes.
"Richard Voss."
Norah looked at Marcus.
He appeared unable to move.
Vivien continued.
"Voss had been using your father's companies to conceal money. Evelyn had the evidence. He wanted her silenced, but he also wanted the documents."
Marcus's voice was barely audible.
"Did you help him?"
"I helped arrange the meeting. I did not know he intended to kill her."
"Then why didn't you tell me?"
"Because Peter told me she was dead. And because I was afraid that if I admitted what I had done, you would lose everything."
Marcus stood.
"You let me bury an empty grave?"
Vivien began crying.
"I thought she was gone."
Norah looked at the photograph again.
The date was unmistakable.
Three weeks after the accident.
"Then who was this meeting with?"
Vivien looked at her.
"Evelyn."
Norah felt her stomach tighten.
"Where?"
"At a private clinic."
Marcus leaned closer.
"Which clinic?"
Vivien hesitated.
Then she whispered:
"Saint Agnes."
Daniel immediately began making inquiries.
But before the meeting ended, Vivien said something else.
"Evelyn wasn't the only person who disappeared."
Marcus stopped.
"What do you mean?"
"Richard Voss had a daughter. She vanished years ago after discovering what her father was doing."
Norah looked at him.
"What's her name?"
May you like
Vivien whispered:
"Isabelle Voss."
