Chapter 19 · The Statement in the Water

Roy pulled a folded paper from his breast pocket.

Vivian's throat closed.

She knew that paper. She knew the weight of it, the color, the way it had been folded and unfolded so many times the creases had gone soft. Seven years soft.

"Detective Bellamy," Roy said, his voice carrying across Arthur's bedroom like he was addressing a courtroom. "I believe this is relevant to your investigation."

James was already moving forward. He'd been standing by the window since the doctor left, arms crossed, watching Silas like he expected him to bolt. Now his focus snapped to Roy.

"What is it?"

"A statement." Roy held it up, just out of reach. Playing it. "Given by Miss Ashford to the Italian police in the summer of 1920. Regarding the death of her brother Daniel."

Vivian's hands went cold.

Silas turned. Looked at her.

She couldn't meet his eyes.

"I wasn't aware the family had kept that," James said. His tone was careful. Cop careful.

"We didn't." Roy smiled. Thin and sharp. "The family lawyer did. As a matter of due diligence. One never knows when old documents might become important again.