Chapter 8 - Amelia Knew Her
Julian replayed the sentence three times.
If Eleanor is in your life when you see this, do not trust her.
Maya whispered, “How could Amelia know a woman you hadn’t met?”
Julian paused the video.
He studied Eleanor’s younger face in an old photograph from their wedding.
Then he looked at the unknown woman standing beside Amelia in the photo from the blue box.
He zoomed in.
The woman was younger, with dark hair instead of blonde.
But the eyes were unmistakable.
Eleanor.
Leo stared. “She knew Mom?”
Julian felt sick.
“She told me they had never met.”
The video continued.
Amelia spoke quietly.
“Eleanor Vale worked for Charles under another name. She handled private accounts. When I found the transfers, she begged me not to expose them. She said Charles would destroy her.”
Julian’s phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
Nolan’s voice said, “Do not take that drive to the police.”
Julian stood. “Where is Leo’s biological father?”
Silence.
“So you know.”
“I know enough to tell you that your father was afraid of him.”
“My father has been dead three years.”
“Some debts survive people.”
“What does Eleanor want?”
“She wants what Charles promised her.”
“What?”
“Protection.”
Julian laughed without humor. “She pushed an eleven-year-old down stairs for protection?”
“She believes if the audit begins, she goes to prison.”
“Does she?”
“Yes.”
Maya watched Julian closely.
“Then surrender,” Julian said.
Nolan exhaled. “I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because Eleanor isn’t the one giving orders anymore.”
A car engine roared outside.
Julian moved to the window.
A black SUV had stopped beyond the gate.
Three men stepped out.
Nolan’s voice dropped.
“Take Leo and leave through the west service tunnel. Now.”
“Who are they?”
May you like
“The people your father stole from.”
The front gate exploded inward.
