CHAPTER 12: THE VISITOR
Vivian requested a visit.
I almost said no. But something made me agree.
She sat behind the glass, looking older than I remembered. Her green dress was replaced by an orange jumpsuit. Her eyes were hollow.
"Claire," she said. "I'm surprised you came."
"I'm surprised you asked."
"I wanted to tell you something. Something James doesn't know."
"What?"
"Your father didn't die the night I pushed him. He was already dying. He had a brain tumor. He had six months to live."
I stared at her.
"What?"
"He knew about the money. He knew we were stealing. But he didn't care. He was planning to give it all to you anyway. He told me the night before he died."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I want you to understand," Vivian said. "I didn't kill him out of greed. I killed him because I was afraid. I was afraid of what you would do when you found out."
"You killed him out of fear?"
"I killed him because I had no other choice."
I stood up.
"There's always another choice, Vivian."
May you like
I walked out.
I didn't look back.
