The Last Thing Elena Wanted to Tell Him
Chapter 13 - The Last Thing Elena Wanted to Tell Him
Elena's final notes were found in a box of old tax papers from the townhouse study. She had left herself reminders about accounts, household expenses, and a meeting she wanted with an independent lawyer. None conclusively proved wrongdoing in her fatal collision, but they did show that she had begun asking questions about Raymond before her death.
Victor took the papers to his attorney and asked whether the collision investigation could be reviewed in light of new financial evidence. The attorney said a review might be warranted but warned against declaring an accident a murder without proof. Victor agreed. He owed Elena truth, not a story shaped to match his anger.
At home he opened a letter Elena had written for Matthew's seventh birthday. She'd begun a series of birthday notes while pregnant, hoping to add to them every year. The letter was simple: 'I hope you always know that you can tell me when something hurts. You never have to earn a hug by being brave.' Victor reread the words until he couldn't see the page.
He brought the letter to Matthew. 'Your mom wrote this,' he said. The boy studied the handwriting and asked Victor to read it aloud. Halfway through, his face crumpled. 'I miss somebody I don't really remember,' he whispered. Victor put the letter down. 'That's okay.' Matthew moved into his lap. They stayed there until the rain stopped.
Hannah had begun taking a weekly class in early-childhood development. She didn't know whether she wanted a career working with children, but helping Matthew had reminded her how much she cared about giving frightened people room to speak. Mrs. Kaplan adjusted her schedule so she could attend. Denise watched her study at the kitchen table and said, 'I haven't seen you look this hopeful since before I got sick.' Hannah smiled. 'I didn't know I was allowed to make plans.'
The court proceedings regarding Raymond moved slowly. His attorneys challenged records and witness statements. The evidence was tested and some allegations narrowed. Victor learned that justice was less dramatic than the stories people told about his world. It required patience, accountability, and the ability to accept results that did not resolve every fear.
Then a former bookkeeper came forward with emails suggesting Raymond had attempted to divert significant company assets while portraying Victor as incapable of governing his own holdings. The documents supported the financial fraud investigation. They also explained why Raymond had wanted Matthew frightened and dependent: a family crisis could become an argument for Raymond assuming greater control.
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Victor sat in his office staring at the file. He had once been proud of how effectively his brother managed complicated matters. Now that skill seemed monstrous. The losses were significant, but Victor would rebuild what could be rebuilt through lawful means. He was more concerned about what the boy had carried in silence.
That night Matthew asked if his mother had loved Uncle Raymond. Victor considered the question. 'People can love someone and still need to stop them from doing harm,' he said. Matthew looked at him. 'Like you can love me when I'm mad?' Victor held him closer. 'Especially then.'
