Chapter 3 - The Missing Envelope
At dawn, Corinne finally saw a physician.
The hospital documented bruising on both forearms, swelling along her jaw, and a hairline fracture near her wrist.
Blair sat beside her through every examination.
She took no photographs without asking.
She did not let anyone turn her mother into a piece of evidence without remembering she was a person.
When they were alone, Corinne asked for her handbag.
“Check the inside pocket.”
Blair found two peppermints, a library card, and a folded note in her father's unmistakable handwriting.
FOR BLAIR, IF NOLAN EVER ASKS ABOUT THE HOUSE.
The words looked unreal.
“When did Dad write this?”
“Six months before he died.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because he made me promise to wait until there was a reason.”
Blair opened the note.
It was not long.
Her father had written that Nolan approached him about a loan against Corinne's house, claiming Blair had approved it.
When asked for proof, Nolan showed a signature that did not look like hers.
Her father refused.
Then he quietly hired a forensic accountant named Miriam Vale to review several family transactions.
The report had been sealed in a blue envelope.
“Where is it?” Blair asked.
“In the old cedar chest.”
“Was Nolan searching there?”
Corinne nodded.
“He knew exactly what he wanted.”
Blair reread the note.
Her father's final line made her stomach tighten.
IF THIS EVER BECOMES URGENT, DO NOT CONFRONT HIM ALONE.
By breakfast, Nolan had left eight messages.
In the first, he was frightened and apologetic.
In the fourth, he was indignant.
In the eighth, he threatened to tell Blair's commanding officer that she was mentally unstable and unfit for duty.
Blair saved every voicemail.
She forwarded the originals to her civilian attorney, Camille Price, a former prosecutor whom she had once helped during a charity veterans case.
Camille called immediately.
“Do not enter your mother's house until police clear it.”
“I know.”
“And do not answer your husband.”
“I wasn't planning to.”
“Good. Because someone filed a petition this morning seeking temporary guardianship over Corinne.”
Blair looked toward the bed.
Her mother was sleeping at last.
“Who filed it?”
Camille paused.
“Nolan did.”
Blair closed her eyes.
“He was prepared before last night.”
“Yes,” Camille said.
“And there is a doctor's statement attached.”
“What doctor?”
“That's the problem.”
Camille exhaled.
May you like
“The signature belongs to a physician who died eight months ago.”
