Chapter 2 - Whispers in the Glass
Martha rocked little Lily back and forth in the fading light of the greenhouse, her heart hammering against her ribs. The scent of crushed roses hung heavily in the air, mixing with the metallic tang of fear. Julian stood ten feet away, staring at the frayed ends of the heavy hemp rope as if hypnotized by the sudden destruction of his domestic life.
"You knew what she was capable of, Julian," Martha said, her voice shaking with restrained rage as she adjusted the torn strap of Lily's beige dress. "You brought this venomous snake into the home where Sarah drew her last breath. Have you completely lost your mind?"
Julian rubbed his face with his palms, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his guilt. "Clara holds the corporate shares, Martha. You know the board voted against me last month. Without her family's financial backing, the company goes under, and Sarah's legacy is auctioned off to the highest bidder anyway."
"So you traded your daughter's safety for a ledger sheet?" Martha stepped forward, her grey hair catching the amber glow of the greenhouse lamps. "Sarah didn't die of a weak heart, Julian. I've suspected it from the moment the death certificate was signed without an autopsy. And now you're letting the murderer walk freely through the nursery."
Julian dropped his hands, his eyes widening in pure terror. "Don't say things like that. The medical examiner signed off. There was no foul play."
"Keep telling yourself that to sleep at night," Martha hissed bitterly. She pulled Lily closer against her dark blue blouse, the toddler whimpering softly into her shoulder. "But I am not blind, and I am not leaving this house."
Clara re-appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed over her red dress, a thin, triumphant smile playing on her lips. She didn't look at Julian; her cold gaze locked entirely onto Martha.
"The guest house out back has been cleared out, Martha," Clara said smoothly, her voice carrying a venomous sweetness. "Your bags will be moved there by morning. An estate this size doesn't need two mothers hovering around."
Martha shifted Lily to her other hip, her eyes narrowing as she stepped past Julian to confront Clara face-to-face. "Try moving me, Clara. I raised Sarah, and I will protect her child from you if it's the last thing I do on this earth."
May you like
Clara stepped aside with an exaggerated bow, her smile widening. "Be my guest. But before you get too comfortable playing detective, you might want to check Sarah's old desk in the study. I found something interesting left behind."
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