Chapter 8 - THE NIGHT THE BOATHOUSE BURNED
The fire started shortly after midnight.
A security alarm sounded near the lower harbor.
By the time Julian reached the terrace, flames were climbing the old boathouse walls.
The same building where Evelyn had been forced to sleep.
Firefighters arrived quickly.
No one was inside.
But the structure was badly damaged.
Investigators later determined the fire had been deliberately set.
Julian stood beside the harbor watching smoke rise into the night.
Marcus, his security chief, approached.
"We've secured the area."
Julian nodded.
"Any injuries?"
"No."
"Good."
Then he looked toward the house.
"Where's my mother?"
"With Clara."
Julian exhaled.
I was sitting beside Evelyn in her restored suite.
She had heard the alarms.
Her hands were shaking.
"Is anyone hurt?"
"No, Mrs. Sterling."
She closed her eyes.
"Thank God."
Then she whispered:
"That's where they put me."
I squeezed her hand.
"I know."
She began crying.
Not because the building was burning.
But because the sight had brought back five nights of fear.
Julian entered quietly.
He knelt beside her.
"Mom."
She looked at him.
"Are we safe?"
He took her hands.
"Yes."
She searched his face.
"Promise?"
Julian swallowed.
Then nodded.
"I promise I'll do everything I can to keep you safe."
The investigation into the fire uncovered surveillance footage showing a vehicle entering the service road shortly before the blaze.
The vehicle was registered to a company associated with Carter's business interests.
That didn't prove Carter had ordered the fire.
But it gave investigators another reason to examine his activities.
The following morning, Julian received a message from Ethan.
I heard about the fire. Is Grandma okay?
Julian stared at the word.
Grandma.
May you like
Then he replied:
She's safe. She'd love to see you.
