Chapter 4: Ten Years Ago
Marcus didn’t move.
The voice from upstairs had said his name in a way only someone who knew him well could.
Not threatening.
Not angry.
Almost familiar.
Marcus looked at Denise.
She had gone completely still.
“What happened ten years ago?”” he asked.
Denise’s lips parted.
“Marcus, I can explain.””
“That wasn't my question.””
Maya lowered her phone.
Jordan looked between them.
“What is he talking about?””
Denise shook her head.
“Nothing happened.””
Marcus stared at her.
“Someone is inside our home, my daughter has been threatened, and a recording was used to frame our son. Now a voice from upstairs tells me to ask you about ten years ago.””
He took one step toward her.
“Tell me what happened.””
Denise’s eyes filled with tears.
“I was going to.””
“When?””
“I don't know.””
“Tonight?””
“I wanted to.””
Marcus laughed once, without humor.
“You always say that when the truth finds you first.””
Tiana suddenly spoke.
“It wasn't her fault.””
Everyone turned.
Marcus looked at her.
“What wasn't?””
Tiana wiped her face.
“What happened ten years ago.””
Denise whispered, “Tiana, stop.””
“No.””
“Tiana.””
“I can't keep doing this.””
Marcus’s eyes hardened.
“What do you know?””
Tiana stared at the floor.
“I know why he came back.””
Jordan frowned.
“Who?””
Tiana didn't answer.
Maya stepped closer.
“You said two messages. You said someone threatened you. And now someone is telling Dad to ask Mom about ten years ago.””
She held up her phone.
“This isn't random.””
Marcus looked toward the staircase.
“Then let's stop standing here.””
He started up.
Denise grabbed his arm.
“Marcus, please.””
He turned.
“Let go.””
“You don't understand.””
“Then make me understand.””
Denise’s hand slowly fell.
Marcus climbed the stairs.
Maya followed.
Jordan came behind her.
Tiana stayed frozen.
Denise looked at her.
“Don't.””
Tiana whispered, “I'm sorry.””
Then she followed too.
The master bedroom door was open.
Marcus pushed it wider.
The room was empty.
The bed was perfectly made.
The curtains moved slightly from the air-conditioning.
On the dresser sat a framed photograph.
Marcus walked toward it.
His wedding picture.
Ten years earlier.
He picked it up.
Something had been slipped behind the frame.
A photograph.
Old.
Bent at one corner.
Marcus pulled it free.
His eyes widened.
It showed him standing outside a hospital.
Beside him was Denise.
But they weren't alone.
A younger man stood several feet away.
Marcus knew him.
His face drained of color.
“No.””
Denise stopped in the doorway.
“Marcus…”
He held up the photograph.
“You told me he was dead.””
Denise began crying.
“He was supposed to be.””
Jordan stepped forward.
“Who is that?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Maya took the photograph from him.
She studied the man's face.
“Dad, who is he?””
Marcus finally whispered the name.
“Calvin.””
Denise covered her mouth.
Jordan looked confused.
“Who's Calvin?””
Marcus turned toward Denise.
“You said the accident killed him.””
“It almost did.””
“Almost?””
Denise’s voice shook.
“I didn't know he survived.””
Marcus stared at her.
“Then why is his picture in our bedroom?””
Nobody answered.
A floorboard creaked behind them.
Marcus spun around.
The bedroom door was moving.
Slowly closing.
“Who's there?””
The door slammed shut.
Marcus rushed forward and yanked it open.
The hallway was empty.
Then his phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
“Who is this?””
Static.
Then a man's voice.
“You really don't remember me?””
Marcus gripped the phone.
“Calvin?””
A soft laugh came through the speaker.
“You remembered.””
Denise sank onto the edge of the bed.
Marcus’s voice dropped.
“Where are you?””
“Closer than you think.””
“What do you want?””
“I want what you took from me.””
Marcus looked at Denise.
“I took nothing from you.””
The voice became colder.
“Ask your wife.””
The call ended.
Jordan stared at his father.
“What did Mom take?””
Marcus turned toward Denise.
She was crying silently.
“Tiana,” Marcus said.
She looked up.
“You knew about Calvin.””
Tiana nodded.
“Only because he found me first.””
Maya stepped forward.
“When?””
Tiana swallowed.
“Three months ago.””
Jordan’s eyes widened.
“You've known him for three months?””
Tiana nodded.
“He told me who he was.””
Marcus looked furious.
“And you said nothing?””
“He told me you'd never believe me.””
“Why?””
Tiana looked directly at Denise.
“Because Mom already knew.””
Denise closed her eyes.
Marcus turned toward his wife.
“You knew he was alive?””
Denise shook her head.
“No.””
Tiana’s voice broke.
“Not that he was alive.””
She looked at Marcus.
“That he was looking for you.””
A loud crash erupted from downstairs.
Everyone jumped.
Marcus immediately moved toward the door.
Maya grabbed Jordan’s hand.
“Stay together.””
They rushed down the stairs.
The living room was empty.
But the front door was wide open.
Cold night air poured inside.
On the marble floor lay Marcus’s wedding photograph.
Someone had torn Denise out of it.
Only Marcus remained.
May you like
And written across his face in black marker were four words:
*SHE NEVER TOLD YOU WHY.*
