Chapter 3 - The question I refused to understand
Elmer was Louisa's father.
There was nothing to ask.
We had been married six years.
Louisa arrived during our third.
I deleted the message.
Then another appeared.
A photograph of Elmer holding newborn Louisa.
Behind him stood Walter.
On the photograph, someone had circled Walter's face.
I called hotel security.
Police arrived shortly afterward.
I showed them the recordings, messages and photograph.
An officer advised me not to return to Lydia's house.
I had no intention of doing so.
The following morning Elmer appeared at the hotel.
“How did you find us?”
“My mother told me.”
Only three people knew the hotel.
Me.
Police.
The person photographing us.
I didn't open the door.
“Elmer, did your mother send you a photograph?”
Silence.
That was answer enough.
“Joanna, please. Mom lost control.”
“She framed Louisa.”
“What?”
I sent him one still image.
Heather holding the bracelet.
Another.
Lydia watching her plant it.
Elmer stopped speaking.
For the first time, he couldn't defend them.
Then he whispered:
“Don't show that video to anyone.”
I stared through the peephole.
“What?”
“Please.”
Not shock.
Fear.
“You already knew.”
“No.”
“Then why are you scared?”
His forehead rested against the door.
“Because this isn't about a bracelet.”
The anonymous message flashed through my mind.
Ask who Louisa's father is.
“Elmer…”
He began crying.
And then my husband said something I never expected.
“My father has been obsessed with Louisa since she was born.”
“Why?”
“I don't know.”
Lie.
I could hear it.
“Elmer.”
May you like
He finally whispered:
“Because Dad believes Louisa belongs to him.”
