Thomas stared at the floor.
The recording changed. There was a click, then a second segment.
Evelyn’s voice sounded weaker.
“Thomas, the doctors say my memory may not recover completely. I gave them Elaine’s name because Lenora’s people came asking questions. I must remain d/e/@/d to the world.”
A long pause followed.
“Tell Carl to protect Claire. But make him promise not to contact her unless Lenora finds her first.”
The tape ended.
I looked at Thomas.
“You knew she survived.”
“For several months.”
“Where did she go?”
“A private neurological clinic in Canada.”
“And then?”
“She disappeared.”
“You never found her?”
“We found evidence that Lenora removed her.”
Daniel turned sharply.
“You never told me that.”
“I told Carl.”
“When?”
“Two years ago.”
Daniel’s face filled with fury.
“Two years?”
“Carl made me swear not to tell anyone until he could confirm it.”
