Chapter 4: The Photograph That Changed Everything
For several seconds, I couldn't move.
The photograph on my phone showed Lily standing outside St. Mary's Hospital, holding a newborn baby wrapped in a pale blue blanket.
My father stood beside her.
He was smiling.
One hand rested gently on Lily's shoulder, while the other held a small bouquet of white flowers.
I recognized the hospital.
I recognized the date printed in the corner.
And I recognized the man who had supposedly died five years earlier.
My father had been gone for nearly two years before Lily died.
At least, that's what I'd believed.
"Rebecca," I said quietly.
"Look at this.""
She took my phone.
Her expression changed immediately.
"Is that your father?""
"Yes.""
"You're certain?""
"I'd recognize him anywhere.""
Daniel leaned across the table.
"Marcus, what date is on the photograph?""
I enlarged it.
October 14.
My father's funeral had taken place in December, two months later.
My hands began to shake.
"Why was Lily with him?""
Rebecca placed the phone on the table.
"Don't jump to conclusions. We need to establish when this photograph was taken and why Rachel sent it.""
I called the number.
Rachel answered after the first ring.
"Marcus?""
"Where did you get that photograph?""
A long silence followed.
"From Lily.""
"That's impossible.""
"No, it isn't.""
I stood.
"Explain.""
Rachel exhaled.
"Your father wasn't dead when that picture was taken. He was very much alive.""
"His funeral was in December.""
"I know.""
"His death certificate—"
"Marcus, please. Let me finish.""
I gripped the edge of the table.
Rachel continued.
"Your father had been seriously ill. He disappeared from the family for several months before the funeral. Lily knew where he was. She visited him.""
"Why didn't she tell me?""
"Because he asked her not to.""
I stared at the photograph.
"Why would my father ask my wife to keep his existence secret from me?""
Rachel's voice softened.
"Because he knew you would try to find him. And he didn't want you involved in what was happening.""
"What was happening?""
"That's why Lily created the trust.""
Rebecca gestured for me to put the call on speaker.
Rachel agreed.
"Your father had discovered something about the family business," she continued.
"He believed someone was using his medical condition to move money without his knowledge.""
My stomach tightened.
"My father owned that company.""
"Exactly.""
Daniel exchanged a glance with Rebecca.
Rachel continued.
"He suspected that someone close to him had been diverting money for years. He couldn't prove it. Lily helped him gather documents.""
"Who was stealing from him?""
"I don't know the entire story. Lily never told me everything.""
"Then why are you involved?""
"Because she trusted me with Maya's future.""
I looked at the photograph again.
"Did my father know about Maya's trust?""
"Yes. He helped establish the original arrangement.""
I sat down slowly.
Rachel took a breath.
"Marcus, your father left something for Maya. Something that was never supposed to pass through your household accounts.""
"What?""
"A separate investment portfolio.""
Daniel immediately opened his laptop.
"Do you know the institution?""
"Yes. But I can't give you the account information over the phone.""
"Why not?""
"Because Vanessa has been asking me about it.""
Rebecca leaned forward.
"How long has she known?""
"Since Lily died.""
I felt the room become colder.
"Vanessa knew my father was alive?""
"She knew about the photograph. She knew Lily had documents. I don't know what else she knew.""
"Why didn't you tell me?""
Rachel's voice broke.
"Because Lily made me promise.""
I closed my eyes.
My first wife had spent her final months preparing for something.
Something involving my father, my daughter, and money that had somehow ended up in Vanessa's hands.
"Rachel, I need to see you.""
"Not at my apartment.""
"Where?""
"The old house.""
I frowned.
"What old house?""
"Lily's parents' house. The one she inherited.""
I remembered it.
A small white house outside the city, with a blue front door and a garden Lily had loved.
It had been locked after her death.
I hadn't visited in years.
Rachel spoke again.
"There's a safe in the upstairs bedroom. Lily left something inside for you.""
Rebecca interrupted.
"Do not touch anything until we establish ownership and document its contents.""
Rachel agreed.
Then she said something that made me sit completely still.
"Marcus, there's another reason Lily chose that house.""
"What?""
"She believed your father had hidden the truth about your family there.""
The call ended.
I looked at Rebecca.
"We're going.""
She shook her head.
"We'll arrange it properly.""
I nodded.
But before we could leave, my phone rang.
Vanessa.
I answered.
"Where are you?"" she demanded.
"At a meeting.""
"Rachel called me.""
I looked at Rebecca.
"What did she tell you?""
"She said you've been asking questions about Lily.""
"That's right.""
Vanessa lowered her voice.
"Marcus, you need to stop. You're digging into things you don't understand.""
"Then help me understand.""
"Some things are better left alone.""
I looked at the photograph again.
My father.
Lily.
A newborn baby.
"Is there something you want to tell me about my father?""
Silence.
Then Vanessa whispered, "You need to come home.""
"Why?""
"Because someone is here.""
"Who?""
Her voice trembled.
"Your father's old business partner.""
I stood abruptly.
"What's his name?""
Vanessa swallowed.
"Edward Hayes.""
I knew the name.
My father had once trusted Edward with everything.
And according to his obituary, Edward had been the last person to see him alive.
I grabbed my jacket.
"Keep everyone there.""
Vanessa's response came quietly.
"Marcus, you don't understand. He's asking for Maya.""
My blood ran cold.
May you like
"Why?""
"Because he says he knows who her real father is.""
