Don't Go to That Car

Chapter 3: Clara's Letters

Alexander brought Lena into his private study.

The girl sat on the sofa with a blanket around her shoulders, but she still kept glancing at the windows, as if someone might appear outside.

Alexander ordered the estate locked down.

No car in.

No car out.

Then he turned to Lena.

"You said my wife keeps children somewhere."

Lena nodded.

"There were nurses. White walls. No windows. They told us we were sick, but we weren't. We were just not supposed to leave."

Alexander's hands tightened.

"How did you escape?"

"A woman helped me."

"What woman?"

Lena hesitated. "She had red hair. She said if I found you, I should tell you Clara never died."

The room seemed to tilt.

Alexander stared at her.

"Say that again."

"Clara never died."

For five years, Alexander had carried guilt like a stone in his chest. Clara had called him the night of the accident, but he had been in a meeting and missed it. By the time he called back, she was gone.

Lena pointed toward a locked cabinet near the fireplace.

"She said the letters are there."

Alexander looked at the cabinet.

Only three people knew what was inside it.

Himself.

Vanessa.

And Clara.

He opened the cabinet and pulled out the old wooden box where Clara's belongings had been kept after her death. At first, there was only a scarf, a silver hairpin, and a small framed photo.

Then Lena reached in and pressed the bottom panel.

It clicked open.

Inside were letters.

Dozens of them.

All addressed to Alexander.

All in Clara's handwriting.

With shaking hands, he opened the first one.

Alexander, if this ever reaches you, then I am still alive. Vanessa is not who you think she is. Your father started the program, but she kept it running. If I disappear, do not believe the accident report.

Alexander could not breathe.

Behind him, the study door opened.

Vanessa stood there.

Her eyes moved from the letters to Lena.

Then she sighed.

"I told them not to let the child speak."