Chapter 5

I stopped and pressed my lips together until I could breathe.

No one moved.

Here is what I need you to know, and I want you to read this next part twice.

What Ethan did is not a measure of your intelligence. Being deceived says something about the deceiver, never about the person who trusted him. You did not fail. You were generous with someone who was not, and that is not a flaw. Please do not let anyone, including yourself, convince you otherwise.

In March, I asked you to see Dr. Okafor for a checkup. I told you it was for my peace of mind while I was sick. You rolled your eyes and went anyway. I am sorry I could not explain why. Her sworn letter is in this envelope. It says you are healthy, sharp, and entirely capable of running your own life, which I could have told any judge in one sentence. But some people only believe paper.

I laughed, and it came out as a sob.

I remembered that appointment.

I had complained the entire drive home.

Dad called that evening and asked, “Did she say you were okay?”

I answered, “Dad, I’m fine,” and he replied, “Good,” with such relief that I had found it strange.

I kept reading.

The money in this trust is the least important thing I am leaving you. Do not let it become the biggest thing in your life. Do not let it make you afraid, and do not let anyone teach you to hide. If you decide to spend it, spend it on something that makes you free.

One more thing. Patricia will be frightened when this comes out. Frightened people follow strong voices, and she has been following Ethan’s for years. I do not think she is a wicked woman. I think she is a scared one. If she does the right thing at the end, Claire, let her. Whatever you decide about the rest, decide it with your eyes open and your heart intact.

Call Dana. She has been worried about you longer than you know.

I love you, kiddo. I was so proud to be your father. I would do all of it again.

Dad.

The final page slipped from my fingers.

For a while, nobody spoke.

Sophia sniffed quietly behind me.

Detective Morales looked down, giving me space.

Even Martin removed his glasses and pressed the bridge of his nose.

Then Ethan spoke.

His voice landed like a stone in still water.

“That’s a beautiful letter,” he said, and there was something almost pleading in it. “It really is. But nothing in it proves I did anything. Your father was sick. He was suspicious of me from the day we met. You’re going to let his paranoia destroy our marriage?”