The Father at the Door
Chapter 05 - The Father at the Door
William arrived at Claire's house that evening.
She almost didn't let him in.
Sophie ran toward the door.
"Grandpa!"
William smiled and lifted her into his arms.
For one painful second, Claire saw the father she had always known.
The grandfather who attended Sophie's school plays.
Who brought soup when Claire was sick.
Who remembered every birthday.
Then she remembered Margaret's letter.
Claire sent Sophie upstairs.
William watched her.
"What's going on?"
"You tell me."
Claire placed the yellow necklace certificate on the table.
William's face changed.
Only slightly.
But Claire saw it.
"Where did you get that?"
"Daniel bought the necklace."
William looked genuinely surprised.
"Daniel?"
"Why did Mom take it to Harrington's three days before she died?"
William sat down.
"Your mother wasn't well."
Claire's stomach tightened.
The exact words Rebecca predicted.
"What was wrong with her?"
"She was paranoid."
"About you?"
William became defensive.
"I loved your mother."
"That wasn't my question."
He stood.
"Claire, you were a child."
"Exactly."
Her voice broke.
"So I had no choice but to believe whatever you told me."
William looked hurt.
"I protected you."
"From what?"
"From remembering your mother at her worst."
Claire placed Margaret's letter on the table.
William went pale.
He recognized the handwriting.
"Rebecca."
Claire stared.
"You knew she had this?"
William closed his eyes.
"Rebecca filled your mother's head with nonsense."
"Mom wrote that the real secret was in the Harrington ledger."
William's hand suddenly gripped the edge of the table.
"Claire, listen to me."
"No."
She had never spoken to him that way.
He looked shocked.
Claire continued.
"I'm going to open whatever is in that vault."
William's expression changed from fear to anger.
"You have no idea what you're doing."
"Then tell me."
He said nothing.
Claire stepped closer.
"What are you afraid I'll find?"
William looked toward the staircase where Sophie slept.
Then back at Claire.
Finally he whispered:
"Proof that your mother was going to destroy our family."
Claire's eyes filled.
"No, Dad."
May you like
She shook her head.
"I think she was trying to save it."
