The mand at Aaron.
Aaron nodded.
The stranger extended his hand.
“My name is Michael Carter.”
I didn’t recognize the name.
Then he added softly:
“I was your father’s business partner.”
Everything inside froze me.
My father had died when I was twelve.
I barely remembered his business.
“What does this have to do with all this?” I asked.
Michael seemed excited.
“More than you think.”
Aaron came over and put a hand on my shoulder.
For the first time all night, his expression seemed serious.
Not cruel.
Not guilty.
Just nervous.
“Emily,” he said quietly, “there’s something I’ve been trying to tell you for years.”
I walked away.
“Then start talking.”
Michael opened the leather folder.
There were photographs inside.
Old documents.
Letters.
And a faded picture of my father.
I haven’t seen that picture in decades.
The tears filled my eyes instantly.
“What is this?”
Michael took a deep breath.
“Your father saved my life.”
I stared at him.
“What?”
“Twenty years ago, my company collapsed. He was bankrupt. Your father invested everything he could to help me rebuild. He refused the payment.”
I looked at the picture again.
My father had always helped people.
That part sounded exactly like him.
Michael continued.
“Years later, the company became extremely successful.”
My confusion only grew.
“Okay…”
“He passed away before he could return the favor.”
The room was silent.
