Chapter 2 — The Metal Case
Daniel had never heard the name Evelyn Shaw.
“Who is she?”
Vanessa looked toward Sophie.
“Can we talk privately?”
Daniel shook his head.
“First, apologize to Sophie.”
Vanessa’s face fell.
She crouched in front of the little girl.
“Sweetheart, I’m sorry.”
Sophie held Bunny closer.
“You said I did it.”
“I know.”
“But you did it.”
Vanessa swallowed.
“Yes.”
“Did you lie?”
Vanessa looked toward Daniel.
Then answered carefully.
“I didn’t know I had scratched it.”
That was true.
The camera showed Vanessa never looking down after moving the case.
She had not deliberately damaged the table and framed Sophie.
But she had still accused a child before checking.
“I should have listened to you,” Vanessa said.
“I’m sorry.”
Sophie studied her.
Then nodded.
“Okay.”
Daniel kissed his daughter’s forehead.
“Go pick a movie upstairs.”
Once Sophie left, he turned toward the case.
“Now open it.”
Vanessa hesitated.
Then released two metal clasps.
Inside was an old portable audio recorder.
Several cassette tapes.
A bundle of theater programs.
And a photograph.
Daniel picked it up.
His mother Margaret was standing on a small theater stage.
She couldn’t have been older than twenty.
Beside her stood another young woman.
Dark hair.
Bright smile.
They were both holding the same award.
On the back:
MARGARET REED + EVELYN SHAW — WESTFIELD PLAYHOUSE — 1978.
Daniel stared at Vanessa.
“Mom hated theater.”
Vanessa shook her head.
“Apparently she didn’t.”
“Where did you get this?”
Vanessa answered:
“Your mother gave me the case six months before she died.”
Daniel went completely still.