Sophie Found an Old Photograph and a Note That Said “Tomorrow” — Then Daniel Asked Vanessa Who the Man Was
Chapter 3 — Sophie Heard the Call
Daniel turned toward Sophie.
“What did you hear?”
Vanessa immediately stood.
“Daniel, don’t drag her into this.”
He looked at her.
“Apparently she’s already in it.”
Sophie wiped her eyes.
She had come downstairs earlier looking for water.
Vanessa was in the kitchen speaking quietly on the phone.
Sophie heard her say:
“Noah doesn’t know anything.”
Then:
“Daniel can never see the picture.”
Sophie walked into the room.
Vanessa immediately ended the call.
Then told Sophie she had misunderstood.
Later, Sophie found the photograph partly sticking out of the drawer.
Vanessa caught her holding it.
That was when the argument began.
Daniel looked at Vanessa.
“Who’s Noah?”
Vanessa whispered:
“I don’t know.”
“You just said his name.”
“Because Adrian used it.”
“When?”
Vanessa hesitated.
“Three weeks ago.”
Adrian had contacted her unexpectedly.
The first time in almost thirty years.
Vanessa had been a child when he disappeared.
She remembered only pieces.
Adults whispering.
Police cars.
Her mother crying.
Then Adrian’s photographs disappearing from the house.
Three weeks ago, a letter arrived.
Inside was the black-and-white photograph.
And a phone number.
Vanessa called.
Adrian answered.
“What did he want?” Daniel asked.
Vanessa looked at him.
“He said Nathan was never kidnapped.”
Daniel frowned.
“Then where did he go?”
Vanessa whispered:
“He said Nathan grew up under another name.”
Daniel looked toward Sophie.
Then back at Vanessa.
“Noah?”
Vanessa nodded.
