CHAPTER 22
THE LETTER CAROLINE NEVER SENT
Nathaniel had spent six years believing he knew every piece of Caroline's handwriting.
The letters she had written before their wedding.
The notes she had left beside his coffee.
The grocery lists stuck to the refrigerator.
The final letter Dr. Rainer had kept for him.
The handwriting on the envelope was unmistakable.
Elena placed it on the dining table.
"Open it."
Nathaniel didn't move.
"You said you wanted the truth."
"I have spent six years learning that the truth does not always arrive alone."
Elena took his hand.
"Then we face it together."
He opened the envelope.
Inside was a single sheet of paper.
Nathaniel read it.
His breathing changed.
"What?"
He handed it to Elena.
The message contained only three lines.
Nathaniel,
If Lily is still in your life, then the person who took June from us may still be watching.
Do not trust the hospital records.
Elena looked up.
"June?"
Nathaniel's jaw tightened.
"Caroline believed someone had tampered with the hospital records."
"But June died in the crash."
"Yes."
"Then why would she write this?"
"I don't know."
A sound came from the doorway.
Mrs. Donnelly stood there.
She had gone completely white.
Nathaniel turned.
"Margaret?"
She stared at the letter.
Then at Elena.
Then at Nathaniel.
"There is something I should have told you years ago."
Nathaniel's expression hardened.
"Apparently everyone has something they should have told me years ago."
Mrs. Donnelly slowly entered the room.
"Caroline was not the only person who believed June's death was connected to something larger."
Nathaniel stood.
"What are you saying?"
May you like
Mrs. Donnelly looked at Elena.
"Your daughter may have been the reason Caroline started investigating."
