Chapter 6 - MARGARET HAD BEEN IN THE CAR
Margaret initially said she remembered nothing.
That lasted two days.
Then she asked to speak without either son present.
Emma sat with her because Margaret requested her specifically.
The older woman looked exhausted.
“I lied.”
Emma said nothing.
Margaret’s fingers trembled around a paper cup.
“Ryan came to my room after midnight.”
“Why?”
“He said Owen was blackmailing us.”
“Us?”
“He said Owen had manipulated trust records and wanted money to stay quiet.”
Emma’s jaw tightened.
“Was that true?”
Margaret shook her head.
“I don’t think so anymore.”
Ryan convinced Margaret to get into the car and confront Owen near the north gate before he reached the house.
During the drive, Margaret demanded to see the supposed proof.
Ryan became angry.
Then Owen appeared beside the road, waving.
Margaret remembered Ryan accelerating.
Not dramatically.
Not like a movie villain.
But enough that she screamed:
“Slow down!”
The impact followed.
Margaret hit her head against the side window.
Ryan kept driving.
Then reversed.
Not into Owen.
Back toward the road.
He said:
“Mom, you didn’t see anything.”
Margaret began crying.
Ryan drove her home.
Put her in bed.
Then called Emma.
Twenty-one times.
“Why Emma?” Emma asked.
Margaret looked ashamed.
“Because he knew I’d protect him.”
That answer confused Emma.
Margaret continued.
“And he knew Daniel wouldn’t.”
Emma understood.
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Ryan needed a driver who was close enough to the family to explain the car—
but outside the bloodline enough to sacrifice.
