Chapter 10
Gene tried to run.
It was almost pathetic.
She made it to the porch before an officer stopped her.
She screamed about false documents, family betrayal, and greedy daughters-in-law.
Then she pointed at Holly.
“That child caused this!”
Brandon’s face changed.
Arthur stepped before he could.
“My granddaughter caused nothing.”
Gene froze.
Arthur turned fully toward her.
“And if you ever speak about Holly like that again, I will testify first.”
That did it.
Not the police.
Not the journals.
Arthur.
Her obedient husband no longer obeying.
They took Gene to the station for questioning about Clara.
Melissa secured the lockbox.
Clara was taken to the hospital.
We followed.
Holly stayed curled against me in the back seat.
“Mom,” she whispered, “is Dad still Dad if Grandpa isn’t his real dad?”
Brandon inhaled sharply.
I turned to her.
“Yes, baby.”
She looked at Brandon.
“Like you’re my real dad?”
Brandon’s eyes filled.
“Exactly like that.”
Arthur cried quietly in the front seat.
At the hospital, Clara told everything.
Gene had isolated Edward when he became ill.
She intercepted calls.
Controlled visitors.
Changed medication.
When Clara threatened to expose the forged financial records, Gene had her declared mentally unstable and hidden her at the cabin under the care of a private nurse.
The nurse had disappeared two years ago.
Gene simply kept Clara locked away.
“How did you survive?” I asked.
Clara looked at Arthur.
“Neighbors left supplies sometimes. They thought Gene had hired me as a caretaker.”
Arthur covered his face.
“I never checked.”
Clara touched his hand.
“You were trained not to question her.”
Melissa’s phone rang.
Her expression darkened.
“Gene’s lawyer just filed for emergency guardianship over Arthur.”
Arthur looked up.
“She’s still trying to control me.”
May you like
Brandon stood.
“Not anymore.”
