“She burned some of it.”
For the first time since entering the room, my composure cracked.
I pictured my transcripts curling black in a fireplace.
Letters from professors.
My desperate explanations.
Every document I had believed might bring my parents back.
Claire saw the change in my face.
“I’m sorry.”
“You do not get to use that sentence yet.”
She flinched.
I took a breath and forced my attention back to her medical condition.
Her pressure remained stable.
Her skin was warmer.
She was alive.
“Daniel has the bank records,” I said.
“A detective is here.
You will need to give a formal statement after your doctor clears you.”
“You’re my doctor.”
“Not anymore.
I’m transferring your care to another attending.
Our relationship creates a conflict now that you are stable.”
Panic flashed across her face.
“Don’t leave me alone with her.”
“You won’t be alone.
Hospital security has been notified.”
“She’ll make Dad believe her.”
“That is Dad’s choice.”
I turned toward the door.
“Emily.”
I paused.
“There’s more.”
I looked back.
Claire’s eyes dropped to the blanket.
“The trust wasn’t the only reason she wanted you gone.”
The room seemed to contract around us.
“What other reason?”
“She found Grandpa’s last letter.”
I waited.
“He wrote it to Dad before he died.
He said he knew Mom had been moving money from the family business.
He wanted Dad to audit the accounts, and he wanted you involved because you were the only one he trusted to ask questions.”
I remembered my grandfather calling me serious-minded.
At sixteen, I thought it was criticism.
At twenty, I understood it was respect.
“Where is the letter?”
“Mom kept it.”
“Why?”
“Insurance.
She said if Dad ever challenged her, she would destroy him with what was in the company records.”
“What company records?”
Claire shook her head.
“I don’t know.
But she keeps everything in a safe at the lake house.
The code is Grandpa’s birthday backward.”
I studied her carefully.
