Chapter 30 - THE CONFRONTATION IN THE STUDY
David’s face stiffened, a shadow of deep, painful grief passing across his eyes as he set his umbrella down.
"We’ve talked about this, Clara... I was on active duty at Fort Bragg when the news came through," David answered calmly.
"Then why did fifty thousand dollars enter your bank account from Julian Vance the exact day Richard disappeared?!" Clara demanded.
David stood frozen in the middle of the warm foyer, his eyes widening in utter, complete shock at her question.
"Who told you about that account, Clara?" David asked, his voice dropping into a low, serious register.
"Answer the question, David! Were you on that plane with my husband?!" Clara screamed, her voice echoing up the staircase.
David didn't answer immediately; he turned slowly toward his private study, walking over to the heavy wall safe behind the painting.
He entered the combination code, pulling open the iron safe door to reveal a red leather folder sitting on the top shelf.
Clara followed him into the study, her heart beating so hard against her ribs she felt sick to her stomach.
David pulled out the red folder, opening it to reveal an old silver wedding ring stamped with Richard’s initials inside.
"I didn't take Julian's money to help him, Clara... I took it to buy Richard time to escape," David confessed in a whisper.
"Where is Richard now, David?!" Clara demanded, tears streaming freely down her face.
David looked up from the silver ring, his dark eyes filled with a terrifying truth that shattered the room.
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"Richard isn't dead, Clara... and the man who just came to this house wasn't his twin brother."
***
