Chapter 7
Mark insisted the fabric meant nothing.
“Sarah came near the car during the argument.”
Richard watched his son’s face.
“Near enough to leave her coat inside your grille?”
Mark’s breathing became uneven.
Claudia remained silent.
That silence was louder than everything she had said all night.
Richard turned toward her.
“You were very confident ten minutes ago.”
Claudia met his eyes.
“I still am.”
“Then explain it.”
“No.”
Mark looked at her.
“Claudia.”
She ignored him.
Richard saw the balance change.
Mark had spent years believing Claudia protected him.
Now he was beginning to understand she protected herself.
Richard ordered an independent accident reconstruction using the archived crash photographs, repair records and original police report.
Mark laughed bitterly.
“You think you're a detective now?”
“No.”
Richard looked at him.
“I think I spent fourteen months believing my son.”
Mark flinched.
That hurt more than the punch.
Upstairs, Noah woke crying.
Richard immediately left the room.
Mark watched him go.
Later, Noah sat against Richard’s chest near the fireplace.
“Grandpa?”
“Yes?”
“Daddy going away?”
Richard did not answer quickly.
“I don't know.”
Noah looked toward the hallway.
“Claudia says Daddy can't leave her.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed.
“Why?”
The boy shrugged.
“She has his secret.”
Richard felt something cold move through him.
“What secret?”
Noah shook his head.
“She says it when they fight.”
Richard did not press.
After Noah fell asleep, Richard returned downstairs.
Mark was waiting alone.
Claudia had been moved to another room.
Mark’s face looked exhausted.
“I need your help.”
Richard stopped.
“You've had my help for thirty-eight years.”
Mark swallowed.
“No.”
His eyes moved toward the closed door.
“I need protection from her.”
Richard said nothing.
May you like
Mark’s hands began to shake.
“She recorded me after Sarah died.”
