Chapter 7 - THE MOTHER IN THE HIDDEN ROOM|
Ethan stepped backward.
"No."
Richard's expression did not change.
"She was moved after the accident. Her body was never recovered because there was no body to recover."
"The remains upstairs—"
"Belonged to a woman who worked for her."
Claire stared at Richard.
"You used another woman's death to fake your wife's?"
Richard nodded.
"Your mother wanted to expose the family. She had become a liability."
Ethan's voice was barely audible.
"Where is she?"
Richard looked toward the wall.
"Behind the old wine cellar."
Marcus immediately checked the corridor.
"There's another room?"
Richard smiled.
"You built this house without knowing half of it."
Ethan turned toward the wall. He found a small metal latch beneath a shelf and pulled it.
A narrow door opened.
Beyond it was a room containing a bed, a lamp, and a small window covered with bars.
A woman sat beside the bed.
Her hair was white. Her face was thin, and her hands rested in her lap.
She turned at the sound.
"Ethan?"
He stopped breathing.
"Mom?"
The woman stood slowly.
For several seconds, she simply stared at him.
Then she began to cry.
"My boy."
Ethan crossed the room and embraced her.
He had not been held by his mother since he was ten years old. He had spent years remembering the smell of her perfume, the warmth of her hands, and the lullabies she sang when thunderstorms frightened him.
Now she was real.
He held her as though she might disappear again.
Claire watched quietly.
Richard remained in the doorway.
Ethan finally turned toward him.
"How could you?"
Richard looked bored.
"Your mother was disloyal."
"She was your wife."
"She was interfering with my business."
"You locked her in a room for years?"
"I kept her alive."
Ethan stared at him.
"That is not mercy."
Richard leaned back.
"Your brother understands."
A voice came from the corridor.
"Of course I do."
Daniel entered with two armed men.
He looked at his mother without emotion.
"Hello, Mother."
She recoiled.
"Daniel."
He smiled.
"Don't look so surprised."
Ethan moved between them.
"Stay away from her."
Daniel raised his weapon.
"You're standing in the wrong place."
Marcus stepped forward, but one of Daniel's men aimed at him.
Richard spoke calmly.
"Enough. We have work to finish."
Ethan looked at his father.
"What work?"
Richard pointed toward Claire.
"Your wife has the information we need. The ledger is still missing, and she knows where the original is hidden."
Claire shook her head.
"I told you I don't have it."
Richard smiled.
"Then perhaps we should ask your mother-in-law."
Ethan turned.
His mother was staring at the floor.
A tiny silver key hung around her neck.
Richard reached toward it.
She grabbed Ethan's hand.
"Don't let him open the room."
"What room?"
Her voice trembled.
"The one where your sister is."
May you like
Ethan stared at her.
He had never been told he had a sister.
