Chapter 87 - The Letter Written Before Goodbye
Daniel recognized the handwriting immediately.
His father's.
Not copied.
Not forged.
Every letter carried the tiny imperfections he remembered from childhood birthday cards.
His hands trembled as he opened the envelope.
Inside was a carefully folded letter.
> My son,
>
> If you are reading this, then Lily is standing beside you.
>
> That means you found what I hoped you would never need to find.
>
> First, forgive yourself.
>
> You did not abandon your daughter.
>
> You followed the path I silently allowed because I believed distance was the only thing keeping you both alive.
Daniel stopped reading.
His vision blurred.
Lily quietly placed a hand on his shoulder.
He continued.
> Rebecca failed in ways I never imagined.
> For that, I carry responsibility even after my death.
>
> But remember this:
>
> The greatest danger was never inside our family.
>
> It has always been the people waiting for the Carter family to destroy itself.
The final page contained only one paragraph.
> When you finish reading this letter, do not open the Last Ledger until every person in the room has answered one question honestly.
>
> Ask them why they came.
>
> Someone among you has never told the complete truth.
Daniel slowly lowered the letter.
No one spoke.
Samuel looked toward Elias.
Elias looked toward the newly arrived observer.
The observer looked calmly back at Daniel.
Lily glanced around the room, sensing the atmosphere change.
For the first time since Daniel had returned home...
May you like
Suspicion no longer pointed only toward people outside the Carter family.
It now rested quietly among those standing beside him.
