Chapter 6: The Man Who Knew Everything
My father.
The name felt impossible.
My father, Richard Carter, had been the person who helped me survive after Rachel died.
He was the one who sat beside me at the funeral.
The one who told me to be strong for Emily and Lily.
The one who said accidents happened.
Now Vanessa was telling me he knew the truth.
“You’re lying,” I said.
Vanessa shook her head.
“I wish I was.””
Emily looked at me.
“Dad…”
I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.
She had never liked my father.
Not because he was cruel.
Because he was distant.
Cold.
He treated emotions like weaknesses.
But he had always loved Rachel.
Or at least I thought he did.
My phone rang.
This time, it wasn’t unknown.
It was him.
Richard Carter.
I stared at the screen.
Nobody spoke.
Finally, I answered.
“Hello?””
His voice came through.
Calm.
Controlled.
“Daniel.””
I said nothing.
“I assume you found Rachel’s letter.””
My blood ran cold.
“How do you know about that?””
A pause.
Then:
“Because I was the one who helped her write it.””
I stood completely still.
“What?””
Emily moved closer.
“What did he say?””
I ignored her.
“Dad, what are you talking about?””
“I’m talking about the truth your wife was trying to reveal.””
My hand tightened around the phone.
“You knew?””
“Yes.””
“And you said nothing?””
“I was protecting you.””
I almost laughed.
“Everyone keeps saying that.””
Richard sighed.
“Daniel, you don’t understand the danger you’re in.””
I looked around the room.
At Vanessa.
At Emily.
At the letter from Rachel.
“Then explain.””
Another pause.
Then my father said:
“Vanessa didn’t cause Rachel’s accident.””
My stomach dropped.
“Then who did?””
His answer came quietly.
“The same person who just sent you that photograph.””
I waited.
“Who?””
My father lowered his voice.
“Daniel…”
The hesitation frightened me.
“Your brother.””
I stopped breathing.
I didn’t have a brother.
Not one who was alive.
Not one who had ever been part of my life.
“What are you talking about?””
But before my father could answer, the front door opened.
Everyone turned.
A man stepped into the house.
Older.
Confident.
Holding a suitcase.
My blood froze.
Because I knew that face.
I had seen it in old family photos.
A face I thought belonged only to the past.
The man looked directly at me.
And smiled.
“Hello, Daniel.””
Vanessa backed away.
“No…”
The man looked at her.
“Still causing trouble, Vanessa?””
My voice barely came out.
“Who are you?””
The man placed the suitcase on the floor.
Then he answered:
“I’m the reason your mother spent her entire life lying to you.””
May you like
He took one step forward.
“And I’m the reason Rachel died.””
