Chapter 4 - The Truth Graham Buried
Graham finally admitted there was something he never told Natalie.
Or anyone.
Five years earlier, before Vivian entered his life, he had received strange letters.
Anonymous letters.
Someone claiming they knew secrets about his first marriage.
Secrets about Maisie’s mother.
He ignored them.
Until one day, a letter mentioned Vivian.
At the time, he thought it was a coincidence.
Now he wasn’t sure.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Natalie’s voice was quiet.
Graham looked broken.
“Because I thought I was protecting Maisie.”
Natalie stared at him.
“No.”
She shook her head.
“You were protecting yourself.”
The words hurt.
But Graham knew they were true.
He had spent years believing problems disappeared if nobody talked about them.
Now his daughter was missing because everyone had stayed silent.
Detective Reyes discovered another clue.
Vivian had rented a cabin outside the city.
A place registered under a false name.
The police prepared to move.
Before they left, Natalie received a call.
Unknown number.
She answered immediately.
A small voice whispered.
“Natalie?”
Her entire body froze.
“Maisie?”
A pause.
Then:
“Don’t let her know I called.”
Natalie covered her mouth.
“I’m here. I’m listening.”
Maisie’s breathing shook.
“She said nobody would believe me.”
Natalie closed her eyes.
“Tell me what happened.”
The little girl was silent.
Then she whispered:
“She wanted me to call her Mom.”
Natalie felt her heart break.
“She said my real mom was gone because she wasn’t good enough.”
A pause.
“And she said Daddy would forget me after the wedding.”
Natalie gripped the phone.
“Where are you?”
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Before Maisie could answer…
The call ended.
