Chapter 19 - THE EMPTY CHAIR
Six months after the sentencing the Sterling mansion felt lighter.
Ethan turned eleven.
The foundation opened three new shelters.
Emma still lived in the east wing guest suite.
William had asked her more than once to take a permanent place at the table.
She always answered the same way.
“Not yet.”
One evening Ethan found her on the terrace.
The puppy, now a large golden dog, slept at her feet.
“Emma?”
“Yes.”
“Dad says the foundation needs a permanent director. Someone who won’t leave.”
Emma smiled.
“I’m not leaving.”
Ethan hesitated.
“There’s an empty chair at dinner every night. Next to Dad. He never fills it.”
Emma looked out at the garden where Eleanor’s portrait now hung in a place of honor under glass.
“I know.”
Ethan took her hand.
“Mom would want you to sit there.”
Emma’s throat tightened.
She said nothing.
Inside the house the phone rang once.
William answered in the study.
Miller’s voice was quiet.
“We have a problem. Isabella’s brother had a second cousin. He just walked into a federal building in Chicago and claimed he has copies of everything. Including new evidence that could reopen the appeal.”
William’s hand tightened on the receiver.
“How solid?”
“We don’t know yet. But he’s asking for a meeting. And he’s asking for Emma by name.”
May you like
William looked through the open doors at the terrace where Emma and Ethan sat in the fading light.
“I’ll tell her.”
