CHAPTER 5: THE GRANDMOTHER
My grandmother lived in a small cottage on the coast. Remote. Isolated. The perfect place to hide.
She was waiting for us on the porch. She was older than I expected. Frail. But her eyes were sharp. Alert.
"Sophie," she said. "I've waited so long to meet you."
"I've waited too, Grandmother."
She smiled.
"I know you have questions."
"Many."
"Come inside. We'll talk."
The cottage was simple. Homey. She sat us down in the living room and poured tea.
"Your father told me you found the recording."
"Yes."
"Then you know the truth."
"I know what happened to my mother."
She nodded.
"Charles has been controlling this family for decades. He killed your mother because she threatened his empire. And he's been controlling your father ever since."
"Why didn't you stop him?"
"I tried. But I was alone. Everyone was afraid of him. Even me."
"So what do we do now?"
"We fight."
"How?"
She reached into a drawer and pulled out a file.
"This is everything I've collected. Over the years. Financial records. Witness statements. Evidence."
"Why didn't you use it before?"
"Because I needed the right person. Someone who could stand up to Charles. Someone who wasn't afraid."
"And now you have me."
"Now I have you."
I took the file.
"What's the first step?"
"We find an attorney. Someone who isn't afraid of Charles."
"Do you know anyone?"
"One person. A woman named Eleanor Vance. She's been fighting against Charles for years. She's the only one who can help us."
"Where is she?"
May you like
"Chicago. I'll make the call."
END OF CHAPTER 5
