Chapter 10 - THE FAMILY THAT NEVER EXISTED
Kareen finally told the truth.
Not the truth she had told the police.
Not the truth she had told me.
Everything.
My father had discovered Margaret's crimes.
But Kareen had discovered them first.
She had made a deal.
In exchange for keeping me alive, she agreed to help hide the truth.
She signed documents.
Moved money.
Covered up evidence.
And allowed Margaret to believe she controlled the family.
“But why?” I asked.
Kareen cried.
“Because I was afraid.”
“Of Margaret?”
“Yes.”
“You could have gone to the police.”
“She had people everywhere.”
“And Dad?”
“I tried to save him.”
“You paid $250,000.”
“To make him disappear.”
I stared.
“What?”
Kareen nodded.
“Your father wanted to take you and leave.”
“Where?”
“Europe.”
“Why didn't he?”
“Because Margaret found out.”
Kareen's voice broke.
“She threatened to kill you.”
“So Dad stayed.”
“Yes.”
“And you?”
“I helped him fake the accident.”
I froze.
“You helped fake his death?”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“Your father died.”
“Then why was the accident fake?”
“Because we needed everyone to believe he was dead.”
My heart stopped.
“Everyone?”
Kareen looked at me.
“Your father survived.”
I couldn't speak.
Alora grabbed my arm.
“What?”
Kareen whispered:
“He has been alive for eleven years.”
I laughed.
“No.”
“Thane…”
“My father is dead.”
“He isn't.”
“Where is he?”
Kareen looked toward the window.
“I don't know.”
Then the detective entered.
“Mr. Caldwell.”
I turned.
“We found a new piece of evidence.”
He handed me an envelope.
Inside was a photograph.
My father.
Older.
Alive.
Standing beside a woman.
And a young boy.
On the back:
I'M SORRY, SON. I HAD TO DISAPPEAR TO KEEP YOU ALIVE.
My hands shook.
Then another line appeared.
But now they're coming for your wife.
I looked at Alora.
She was pale.
My phone rang.
Unknown number.
I answered.
A man's voice whispered:
“Hello, Thomas.”
I froze.
It was my father's voice.
“I think it's time we finally talked.”
And then he said the words that changed everything:
“Your mother isn't the person you should be afraid of.”
May you like
A pause.
“Your wife is.”
