Chapter 15 — Why Linda Raised Her Alone
The drive to the old estate took two hours.
During the journey, Linda finally told Emily everything.
Her father had not abandoned them.
He had been investigating the stolen money.
He discovered Daniel and Rachel.
When he tried to expose them, he was captured.
Linda believed he had died.
But he survived.
He spent years hiding because the people behind the conspiracy threatened Emily.
Linda had been protecting her daughter without ever telling her why.
Emily listened silently.
"I thought you didn't trust me."
Linda shook her head.
"I trusted you."
"Then why keep everything secret?"
"Because secrets kept you alive."
Emily looked out the window.
"I'm sorry."
Linda reached across and held her hand.
"Don't apologize for being young."
"I was cruel."
"You were confused."
"I slapped you."
Linda looked at her.
"That hurt."
Emily began crying.
"I know."
"But one mistake doesn't erase twenty-three years of love."
Emily squeezed her hand.
"I love you."
Linda smiled faintly.
"I know."
The estate appeared in the distance.
Dark.
Silent.
Abandoned.
Robert stopped the car.
"We're here."
Linda looked at the mansion.
"This is where your father and I lived before you were born."
Emily stared.
"You brought me here?"
"Once."
"I don't remember."
"You were too young."
They entered.
The house was covered in dust.
Then a light turned on upstairs.
A man's voice echoed through the hall.
"Linda."
She froze.
Emily stopped beside her.
The voice came again.
"Come upstairs."
Linda's eyes filled with tears.
She whispered:
"Your father."
They climbed the staircase.
At the top stood a man.
Older.
Thinner.
But unmistakably familiar.
Emily stared at him.
"Dad?"
He smiled.
"Emily."
She ran into his arms.
Linda stood several feet away.
May you like
Then Rachel stepped from the shadows.
She held a gun.
