I tore it open.
There were only three paragraphs.
Dominic,
If you are reading this, then someone has finally forced Evelyn to show you who she is.
You will be angry. Please try not to let your anger become more important than our daughter.
If Grace ever becomes a target because of your name, do not lock her away. Teach her. Trust her. And if the danger comes from inside the family, trust Evelyn before you trust anyone who tells you what you want to hear.
I read the final line twice.
Then a third time.
Inside the family.
I looked up.
Evelyn was watching me.
Grace stood absolutely still.
“When did she write this?”
“Three weeks before she died.”
My heartbeat became a slow, brutal drum.
“You’re telling me Sofia knew someone close to me was dangerous.”
“I’m telling you she suspected it.”
“And you waited seven years?”
“I didn’t.”
Evelyn’s eyes hardened.
“I spent seven years trying to prove it.”
I laughed once, without humor.
“Who are you?”