Episode 6: the warning

THE WARNING

Isabella barely slept that night.

At seven the next morning, she called her younger sister, Grace.

"Listen to me carefully," Isabella said. "Don't open the door to anyone you don't know. And don't go anywhere alone."

"Isabella, what's happening?"

"I'll explain everything soon. Just promise me."

Grace hesitated.

"I promise."

After the call, Isabella went downstairs and found Adrian waiting in the dining room.

"I want answers," she announced.

"And you'll get them."

"Who sent those photographs?"

"I don't know."

"Why did you marry me?"

Adrian looked away.

For a moment, he seemed to struggle with a decision.

Then he opened a drawer and placed a photograph on the table.

It showed Isabella's late mother standing beside Eleanor.

Isabella stared at it.

"My mother knew Eleanor?"

"They were friends."

"That's impossible. My mother never mentioned her."

"Your mother knew things about my family that even I didn't know."

He paused.

"Before she died, she left something in my possession. Something Eleanor had been searching for."

Isabella's hands trembled.

"What thing?"

Adrian leaned forward.

"A letter addressed to you."

He slid a sealed envelope across the table.

Her name was written on the front in her mother's handwriting.

Isabella recognized it immediately.

She had not seen that handwriting in years.

With shaking fingers, she opened the envelope.

Inside was a single sheet of paper.

My dearest Isabella,

If you're reading this, then you've met Adrian Blackwood.

There is something I never had the courage to tell you. Your father isn't the only person whose past could destroy our family.

Years ago, I made a promise to someone. A promise that would protect you, no matter the cost.

But if you have married Adrian, then I'm afraid the secret is no longer safe.

Trust no one who tells you Eleanor is dead.

And whatever you do, never let Adrian discover what your father kept hidden.

Forgive me, my darling.

Mother.

Isabella read the letter twice.

Then she looked up at Adrian.

"What did my father hide?"

Before he could answer, his phone rang.

He listened for several seconds.

Then all the colour drained from his face.

"What happened?" Isabella asked.

Adrian slowly lowered the phone.

"Grace is missing."