Chapter 6 - Victoria Had Hidden Chloe’s Name
Chloe’s full name was Chloe Mercer.
Her mother, Julia Hale Mercer, was Rebecca’s younger sister.
Victoria hired Chloe eight months earlier.
She knew exactly who she was.
“Why hide that?” Daniel demanded.
Victoria sat in Grant’s interview room with an attorney present.
“Because Chloe asked me to.”
“That’s not enough.”
Victoria agreed.
Chloe said she wanted distance from the Hale name.
Her grandfather Victor’s reputation had become increasingly
controversial after several civil lawsuits involving old development
projects.
She did not want customers connecting her to the family.
Victoria respected that.
But there was another reason.
Margaret Hale had once been Victoria’s employer.
Before opening the boutique, Victoria worked as Margaret’s personal
stylist.
She had been at the 1999 engagement party.
Emma stared at her.
“You saw my mother that night.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you say so?”
Victoria began crying.
“Because I saw her leave.”
“With whom?”
Victoria’s voice became almost inaudible.
“Your father.”
Emma froze.
Daniel turned toward her.
Emma’s father, Andrew Reed, had died seven years earlier.
Her parents had always claimed they met in 2001.
Two years after Caroline’s disappearance.
Victoria said that was false.
Andrew was at the Hale engagement party.
He worked security for Victor.
Victoria saw Andrew lead Caroline through a service exit shortly after
their argument.
Caroline looked frightened.
But she was walking.
Not being dragged.
“Did you tell police?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Margaret told me Caroline was safe.”
Emma laughed bitterly.
“And you believed her?”
“I wanted to.”
That answer sounded more honest than an excuse.
Then Grant entered with new information.
Chloe’s car had been found at a train station.
Inside was her phone.
On the phone were photographs of the emerald gown’s seam.
Taken three days before Emma’s appointment.
One message accompanied them.
IT’S STILL THERE.
The recipient was saved as:
May you like
GRANDMA.
Margaret Hale had been dead for four years.
