Chapter 13 - The Recording My Mother Left Behind
My mother's voice came through the old recorder like a whisper from another lifetime.
I sat between Dominic and Rose inside the office of a federal investigator.
The device had been recovered from the abandoned property, along with boxes of documents.
Investigators had preserved the evidence before allowing us to hear a copy of the recording.
My mother's voice trembled.
"My name is Eleanor Carter. I'm making this statement because I believe Adrian Vale may kill me."
Rose gripped my hand.
I stopped breathing.
Mom continued.
"I worked as a nurse at the Vale family's medical facility. I met Dominic when he was seven years old. He was frightened, injured, and convinced nobody would ever help him."
Dominic lowered his eyes.
"I became his temporary guardian because I couldn't bear the thought of sending him back to the people who had hurt him."
A pause.
"Adrian Vale believed I had access to records he wanted. He began threatening me. Later, he manipulated my employment and finances until I felt I had nowhere safe to go."
My chest tightened.
"During that time, I became pregnant. When Adrian learned I was carrying twins, he threatened to take both babies unless I surrendered the records."
Rose began crying.
"I tried to escape. Anthony Carter helped me. He knew what Adrian had done, but he never blamed the children."
I covered my mouth.
Mom's voice broke.
"Anthony married me because he loved me. He promised my girls would grow up knowing kindness instead of fear."
Tears streamed down my face.
"When the twins were born, Adrian arranged for Rose to be taken away. They told me she'd died. Anthony later discovered the truth."
The recording crackled.
"We tried to bring her home. Adrian found out. Anthony was killed."
Rose sobbed.
Dominic stared at the floor.
Mom continued.
"I want my daughters to know that I never stopped loving either of them."
A long silence followed.
Then her voice returned.
"And Dominic, if you ever hear this, please remember something."
Dominic looked up.
"You were never the monster your father wanted you to become."
His eyes filled with tears.
"The little boy I knew had a kind heart. Don't let the world take that away from you."
The recording ended.
For several minutes, nobody spoke.
Then Dominic stood and walked toward the window.
I followed him.
He looked at me.
"She saved me twice."
I frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"Once when I was seven."
His voice broke.
"And again today."
I reached for his hand.
He let me take it.
No flinch.
No fear.
Just warmth.
Then the investigator entered.
"Mr. Vale, we have a problem."
Dominic turned.
"What?"
"Adrian has disappeared."
My stomach dropped.
The investigator continued.
"We believe he knows about the recording."
"And?"
"He left a message."
The investigator handed Dominic a printed note.
Dominic read it.
His expression became terrifyingly still.
I took the paper.
May you like
Four words appeared in black ink.
Bring Lily to me.
