Chapter 7 - THE ACCOUNT
Vincent showed me the account.
My name was on it.
The $4.5 million was untouched.
I looked at my father.
“You still have your money.”
He stared at the screen.
“But the deed?”
“Protected,” Vincent said.
“The loan?”
“Fake.”
Dad looked confused.
“The bank documents were fabricated.”
I turned toward Vincent.
“So everyone thought Dad lost everything.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To lure Blackridge.”
I felt sick.
“You used my father as bait.”
Vincent nodded.
“I had no other choice.”
I slapped him.
He didn't defend himself.
“You made him believe he'd lost everything.”
“I know.”
“He cried in front of me.”
“I know.”
“You let my mother-in-law humiliate him.”
“I didn't know about that.”
I stared at him.
For the first time, I believed him.
Then my phone rang.
Unknown number.
I answered.
A woman's voice whispered:
“Elise?”
My entire body froze.
“Mom?”
Silence.
Then:
“Don't trust Vincent.”
The call ended.
I looked at him.
He was staring at me.
“What did she say?”
I didn't answer.
Then another message arrived.
Come to the old train station. Alone.
I showed Vincent.
He shook his head.
“It's a trap.”
“I have to go.”
“No.”
“You lied to me.”
“Yes.”
“But you're the only person who knows where my mother is.”
He looked at me.
“I'll take you.”
“No.”
“Elise.”
“I said alone.”
He stepped back.
“Then take the gun.”
I stared.
He placed it on the table.
“I won't follow you.”
I picked it up.
Before leaving, I looked at my father.
He hugged me.
“Come back.”
“I will.”
But when I reached the train station, no one was there.
Only an old wooden bench.
And a photograph.
My mother.
On the back:
YOU'RE LOOKING IN THE WRONG PLACE.
Then I heard footsteps behind me.
I turned.
And saw Lorraine.
May you like
My mother-in-law.
She was crying.
