Michael’s Note
Back at Dan’s grave, something rustled beneath the cap’s inner band.
I pulled out a folded note.
It read:
‘Emma, Dan didn’t leave you with nothing. He told me he’d arranged something for Jack’s future, and I believe his parents know more. You deserve answers.
I’m sorry I waited so long.
Michael.’
Michael. Dan’s best friend and fellow instructor.
What money? Dan had left only a few thousand dollars in our joint account.
Someone knew something about Dan that I didn’t.
I immediately called Patricia. “Emma? What do you want?”
“I found Dan’s cap. There was a note inside.”
“What note?”
“Michael says my husband saved money for Jack. He told me to ask you about it.”
“What money? Are you demanding money again?”
“I’m asking whether your son left an account for Jack.”
“Dan rejected this family’s wealth.”
“Michael believes your family knows something.”
“I know nothing about it, Emma. Stop asking us for money.”
“Patricia, Jack is your grandson.”
“And Dan was my son. He made his decisions.”
She hung up.
When I called again, she’d blocked me.
Why would she react like that if she knew nothing?
I found Michael’s number.
Me: I found Dan’s cap. We need to talk.
His reply came immediately.
Michael: Tomorrow. Eleven. The café near the airfield. I’m sorry, Emma.
I looked at Jack, who was touching his father’s photograph.
For the first time in eighteen months, I wanted answers more than I feared confrontation. But Michael’s explanation only raised more questions.
Mom watched Jack while I met Michael.
Outside the café, I almost turned around. What if Michael told me something I wasn’t ready to hear?
But I’d spent eighteen months avoiding difficult things.
I took a breath and went inside.
“Where did you get his cap?” I asked immediately.
“Dan left it in his locker that morning.”
“What?”
“He wasn’t wearing it during the flight. I took it when we collected his belongings. I wanted to put it on his coffin.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Patricia refused. She didn’t want reminders of aviation.”
“Then why didn’t you give it to me?”
“She told me you were severely depressed. Said contacting you would make things worse.”
“And you believed her?”
“I did. I’m sorry.”
“Eighteen months, Michael.”
“I know.”
“Why now?”
“Someone mentioned you’re struggling financially. I was shocked because Dan told me he’d saved money for his son.”
“How much?”
“I don’t know exactly. Dan never showed me the documents.”
“Then why leave the cap instead of calling?”
“I was ashamed I’d waited so long. I’d seen you there a few Sundays, so I figured you’d find it.”
“You thought I already had the money?”
“Yes. I thought he’d arranged everything.”
Michael lowered his eyes.
“Emma, I can’t tell you where it is. But Dan wanted Jack protected.”
I stood.
May you like
“Then I’ll find out what happened.”
I thought finding the money would be the hardest part. I had no idea what else Dan’s family was hiding.
