Chapter 6
Claire’s letter began with an apology.
Mark, if you are reading this, then my fear was right.
I sat in my office while Officer Lane, Amanda, and Daniel stood around me.
The house felt different now.
No longer mine.
A crime scene wearing memories.
Claire wrote that before she died, my father had approached her.
He wanted access to Rosie’s trust.
He claimed I was too emotional.
Too weak.
Too influenced by Claire’s family.
When Claire refused, he threatened to challenge paternity.
My vision blurred.
Paternity.
I read faster.
Claire had included DNA results.
Not because she doubted me.
Because my father had tried to create doubt.
The test confirmed I was Rosie’s biological father.
Beside it was a recording transcript.
My father’s voice.
If Mark won’t listen, we remove him. A child’s money should be guided by adults who understand family power.
Then Bethany.
Rosie is easy. Make her look damaged enough, and Mark looks guilty.
I had to stop reading.
Officer Lane swore softly.
Amanda whispered, “Claire knew.”
I turned the page.
Claire wrote that she had hidden copies with three people.
Amanda.
Her cousin Nora.
And someone inside my family.
Someone who had promised to speak if things became dangerous.
The name made my chest tighten.
Paul.
My brother.
I looked at my phone.
Paul had called six times.
This time, I answered.
His voice broke immediately.
“Mark, I found something.”
“What?”
“Mom’s planner. Bethany’s messages. Dad’s court notes.”
I closed my eyes.
“Claire left you copies.”
Silence.
Then Paul whispered, “She did. And I was too scared to use them.”
“Why now?”
“Because I saw Rosie’s cheek.”
His voice cracked.
“And because Dad threw that glass like he meant it.”
I gripped the desk.
“Bring everything to Amanda’s office. Now.”
“Mark…”
“What?”
“I’m sorry.”
I stared at Claire’s letter.
Sorry was small.
May you like
But sometimes small things were the first honest bricks.
“Bring the evidence,” I said. “Then we’ll talk.”
