Chapter 2: The Woman Who Knew Too Much
Caroline’s house smelled like coffee and cinnamon when Nate arrived the next morning.
It was the kind of house where life continued normally.
Children’s drawings covered the refrigerator.
Tiny shoes sat beside the door.
A half-finished puzzle rested on the living room floor.
Nate envied it.
Normal felt impossible.
Caroline stood in the kitchen holding a mug.
“You look terrible.””
“Good morning to you too.””
She studied him.
“You didn’t sleep.””
“No.””
“Because of Madeline?””
Nate looked toward the hallway.
Sophie was still asleep.
“Because of everything.””
Caroline lowered her voice.
“She’s asking for you.””
His heart tightened.
He walked upstairs.
The guest room door was slightly open.
“Soph?””
A small head appeared from beneath the blanket.
“Daddy?””
“I’m here.””
She reached out immediately.
Nate sat beside her.
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
Then Sophie asked:
“Is Maddie gone?””
The question hurt more than he expected.
“No.””
“Is she mad?””
Nate swallowed.
“No.””
Sophie looked at the yellow stars painted above the bed.
“Is she going to tie me again?””
He closed his eyes.
That was the moment he understood.
A child did not measure danger the way adults did.
Adults remembered apologies.
Children remembered fear.
“No,” Nate whispered.
He brushed her hair back.
“She will never do that again.””
Sophie nodded.
But she did not look convinced.
Downstairs, Caroline waited.
“She’s scared of her.””
“I know.””
“Are you?””
Nate looked at his sister.
The honest answer was complicated.
“I’m scared of what she did.””
Caroline nodded.
“That’s different.””
“She used to be good with Sophie.””
“I know.””
“She was there after Emily died.””
“I know.””
“She held us together.””
Caroline’s expression softened.
“And now?””
Nate looked at the floor.
“Now I don’t know who she is.””
Caroline was quiet.
Then her phone buzzed.
She checked it.
Her face changed.
“What?””
“It’s Grace.””
Nate immediately stood.
“Where is she?””
“She wants to meet.””
“Why?””
Caroline handed him the phone.
The message was short.
I found the box. But I need to show you something first.
Nate stared at the words.
“Where?””
“She didn’t say.””
“Call her.””
Caroline did.
The phone rang.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then voicemail.
Nate felt something cold move through him.
“Try again.””
She did.
Nothing.
Then a new message arrived.
This time from Grace.
Don’t come alone.
Nate looked at Caroline.
“What does that mean?””
“I don’t know.””
His phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
“Hello?””
Silence.
Then a woman’s voice.
“Mr. Whitmore?””
“Yes?””
“I think you should know something before you open that box.””
Nate frowned.
“Who is this?””
“My name is Rebecca Lane.””
He didn’t recognize it.
“What do you want?””
The woman breathed shakily.
“I worked with Emily.””
Nate froze.
“Where?””
“At Bellamy & Cole.””
His grip tightened.
“What did you know about the transfers?””
A pause.
May you like
Then Rebecca said:
“I know why Emily hid the box.””
