Chapter 12 - THE DAUGHTER OF A DEAD WOMAN|
Elena read the photograph's date again.
Six months after her mother's funeral.
The ink did not change. The date did not disappear. Her mother was standing beside Dr. Howard, alive and healthy enough to smile at the camera.
"Where did you get this?" Elena asked.
Margaret looked troubled.
"It was in a package Sophia sent me. I never opened it."
"Why?"
"Because I was afraid."
Elena laughed once, without humor.
"Everyone was afraid. Everyone knew something. And I was the only person who buried my mother without knowing what happened."
Adrian moved toward her.
"Elena—"
"Don't."
She stepped away.
"You knew my mother worked for Sophia. You knew she was threatened. Did you ever investigate?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"I was told she died of natural causes."
"By whom?"
"Dr. Howard."
Elena looked at the photograph.
"Then you believed the wrong man."
Adrian accepted the accusation without defending himself.
Margaret opened the flash drive again. Hidden in a folder was a video file.
The recording showed Sophia sitting in the blue room. She looked tired, but her voice was clear.
"If this reaches you, then Margaret has found a way to keep the evidence safe. Adrian, I need you to understand that I never wanted to destroy your family. I wanted to protect our daughter."
She paused.
"Your father knew about the accounts, but he was not the one who arranged the poisoning. The person responsible is someone you trust. Someone who has been in your house every day."
Sophia looked directly into the camera.
"Do not believe that I died in that hospital."
The video ended.
Adrian stared at the screen.
"She was alive when she made this."
"Yes," Elena said.
"Then where is she?"
A knock interrupted them.
A guard entered.
"Sir, Dr. Howard is here."
Adrian stood.
"Bring him in."
The doctor was led into the study. He was in his early sixties, with gray hair and a nervous expression.
"Mr. Corsetti, I understand you're upset, but this is becoming dangerous."
Adrian placed the photograph on the desk.
"Explain."
Dr. Howard looked at it.
His face changed.
"Where did you get this?"
"Answer the question."
The doctor swallowed.
"Your wife was under my care."
"Was she alive six months after her reported death?"
"I can't discuss patient information."
Adrian leaned forward.
"You can discuss it now."
The doctor glanced at Elena.
"Your mother was involved in something she didn't understand."
Elena stepped closer.
"Was she alive?"
Dr. Howard closed his eyes.
"Yes."
The word seemed to strike the room.
"Where is she?"
"I don't know."
"You're lying."
"I haven't seen her in years."
Elena gripped the edge of the desk.
"Why did you sign her death certificate?"
"Because I was ordered to."
"By whom?"
The doctor looked at Adrian.
"Your aunt."
Adrian's expression hardened.
"Celeste?"
Dr. Howard nodded.
"She told me Margaret had died in a private clinic. She said the family would take care of the paperwork."
"Why?"
"Because Margaret had information about the Northstar accounts."
Elena's voice trembled.
"What happened to my mother?"
The doctor looked at her.
"She was moved to a private facility under another name. Sophia arranged it. She believed your mother was safer if everyone thought she was dead."
"Then why didn't she contact me?"
"Because someone threatened to kill you if she did."
Elena felt the floor shift beneath her.
"Who?"
Dr. Howard looked toward the door.
Before he could answer, a loud crash sounded outside.
A guard shouted.
The doctor turned pale.
"He's here."
Adrian reached for his weapon.
"Who?"
The doctor whispered:
"The man who ordered all of it."
The study door opened.
A familiar voice spoke from the corridor.
"Hello, Adrian."
It was Charles Voss.
And beside him stood a woman with pale blond hair.
May you like
Elena stopped breathing.
Her mother was alive.
