Chapter 025 – The Letter Opens
Chapter 25 - Chapter 025 – The Letter Opens
Sheriff Reeves stood in my living room under the family portrait and opened my sealed letter.
My children stood facing him like defendants who still believed they were relatives first.
Martin’s jaw was tight. Elaine had gone pale. Peter kept looking at the floor where a realtor sign lay flat, still wrapped, ready to be planted in my yard before supper.
The sheriff read silently first.
His jaw tightened.
Martin said, “What is that?”
The sheriff looked up.
“It is your mother’s statement.”
Elaine turned to me.
“Your what?”
“My statement,” I said.
My voice sounded older than I felt and steadier than I deserved.
Sheriff Reeves began reading aloud.
“If this letter is being opened, my children have removed me from my home, isolated me from communication, or attempted to sell property that remains mine while I am living. I am not missing. I am not confused. I am not cargo to be transferred.”
Peter sat down.
Elaine put one hand over her mouth.
May you like
Martin laughed once.
That laugh was fear in a cheap coat.
