Chapter 3 - Nobody Wanted the Folder Found
Ethan had not heard anyone mention the blue folder in fifteen years.
The last time had been the week his father, David Hale, died.
A cardiac arrest, the family had said.
Sudden. Tragic. Uncomplicated.
At least that was the version Ethan had believed.
“What blue folder?” he asked.
Margaret met his eyes.
“The one your father left.”
Richard stepped closer.
“There is no folder.”
“There was.”
Celeste laughed sharply.
“This is exactly what I mean. She remembers things that never happened.”
Margaret’s expression changed.
Fear.
Not confusion.
“For six months,” she said, “Celeste has been telling people I’m forgetful.”
Celeste’s face tightened.
“She moved my medication,” Margaret continued.
“That’s a lie.”
“She hid my phone.”
“Enough.”
“She canceled my doctor’s appointments.”
Richard grabbed Margaret’s arm.
Ethan knocked his hand away.
“Don’t touch her.”
Then Lily tugged Ethan’s sleeve.
“Daddy, Aunt Celeste locked Grandma in the sunroom.”
Silence.
Celeste went white.
Richard snapped, “Lily, that’s enough.”
Margaret stepped protectively in front of the child.
Ethan’s voice became low.
“Why was my mother locked in a room?”
Celeste answered, “Because she was trying to get into places she had no business entering.”
Margaret gave a sad laugh.
“That’s what your father used to say too.”
Ethan froze.
“What did Dad say?”
May you like
Margaret looked toward the house.
“He said if anything happened to him, I should find the blue folder before Richard did.”
