The Second Envelope
Chapter 07 - The Second Envelope
Diane opened her envelope with Eleanor beside her.
Inside were bank statements.
Copies of loan documents.
And a letter from Thomas.
Diane,
I should have told you sooner.
I thought protecting Richard would protect the family.
Instead, my silence made you vulnerable.
Please forgive me.
Diane cried before reaching the second paragraph.
Thomas had documented years of transfers.
Money moved from family accounts into companies controlled by Richard.
Some funds were returned.
Most were not.
The total exceeded three million dollars.
Diane whispered, “Why didn't Dad stop him?”
Eleanor knew the answer.
Because Richard was his son.
Because shame makes families quiet.
Because people often protect the person causing the damage in the name of protecting everyone else.
At the bottom of the envelope was one more document.
Thomas had removed Richard as executor of his estate.
Diane had been appointed instead.
She looked terrified.
“I don't want this.”
Eleanor took her hand.
“You don't have to decide tonight.”
Diane looked at the hospital room.
“What if Dad dies?”
The words hung between them.
Neither wanted to answer.
Then a nurse rushed past.
Another followed.
The alarm inside Thomas's room began to sound.
Eleanor dropped the papers.
She and Diane ran toward the door.
Doctors surrounded the bed.
Richard arrived seconds later.
For one terrible moment, the three of them stood together outside the room.
A wife.
A daughter.
A son.
All the anger disappeared.
May you like
There was only fear.
And none of them knew whether Thomas would live long enough to finish telling the truth.
