Chapter 5 - Olivia's Letter
Victor had spent eleven months believing Olivia's death was an accident.
Her car had gone through a guardrail on a rain-soaked road outside the city. The police said speed, wet pavement, bad luck.
Now Grant was telling him the cameras at Blackwood House had been disabled that same night.
"Why?" Victor asked.
Grant's mouth opened.
Serena cut in. "He's trying to save himself."
"I asked him."
Grant looked at Victor. "Olivia left the house at 9:40. Serena arrived at 9:12."
Victor stared at her.
"You told me you hadn't seen Olivia in weeks."
Serena's voice stayed calm. "Because I hadn't."
Grant shook his head. "You're lying."
Police sirens sounded beyond the gates.
Serena's composure finally cracked.
"You idiot."
Grant smiled without humor. "There she is."
The police separated everyone. Ethan went to the hospital with Lily and Victor. X-rays showed no fracture, but his arm was badly strained. The doctor documented everything and called child protective services as required.
Victor sat beside Ethan's bed with his hand over his mouth.
Lily stood by the window.
"I should have seen it," he said.
"Yes."
He looked up, surprised by the bluntness.
Lily's eyes were wet. "You asked me three times why Ethan cried when Serena held him. I said I didn't know. I should've told you what I suspected. But you also stopped asking."
Victor lowered his eyes.
"You're right."
Rosa arrived an hour later carrying a small silver frame.
Olivia's photograph.
"I found this behind the linens," she said.
The back had been pried open.
Inside was a folded piece of paper.
Victor recognized Olivia's handwriting instantly.
His hands shook as he opened it.
Victor - if you are reading this, I failed to tell you in person. Serena is not who you think she is. She has access to accounts she should not have. I found transfers through the Blackwood Children's Foundation. Grant helped her hide something. I am taking copies to Daniel Cross tonight. If anything happens to me, do not let Serena near Ethan.
Victor read the last line again.
Do not let Serena near Ethan.
Lily covered her mouth.
Rosa whispered, "Mrs. Blackwood knew."
Victor's phone rang.
It was Daniel Cross, the Blackwood family attorney and Victor's oldest friend.
Victor answered immediately.
"Daniel, I found a letter from Olivia. It says she was bringing you evidence the night she died."
Silence.
Too much silence.
"Daniel?"
Finally, Daniel spoke.
"Victor... Olivia never came to see me that night."
Victor looked at the letter.
May you like
Then Daniel added, very quietly,
"But Serena did."
