Daniel carefully opened the hidden compartment.
The paper was tiny.
But the handwriting was unmistakably Eleanor’s.
Daniel read it aloud.
If Daniel finds this, tell him the truth about Robert Hale.
Margaret immediately stepped forward.
Daniel, not here.
He stared at her.
Who is Robert Hale?
Margaret looked toward the other mourners.
Daniel lowered his voice.
My mother carried this message to her own funeral.
You are going to tell me now.
Margaret finally admitted that Robert Hale had been Eleanor’s attorney for more than twenty years.
But he had also been much more than that.
He managed several Carter family trusts.
Daniel frowned.
Why have I never heard his name?
Margaret answered quietly.
Because your father made sure you never would.
Daniel looked at the ring again.
Then Margaret added something that made him go completely still.
Robert Hale disappeared the same year your father died.
Daniel stared at her.
And my mother knew why.
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