He entered his study and walked straight to a concealed safe behind a shelf.
Pulling it open, he retrieved a bundle of old photographs, a small white note, and a compact recorder.
He placed them on the desk, hesitating for just a moment before pressing play.
Vienna's voice filled the room, soft and sweet... but not for him.
The first part was a confession of love-to Karen.
The one he had listened to and heard with his ears back then.
Then came the part that had haunted him for years-the recording Benita had handed him three years ago.
At the time, he hadn't known Vienna and Benita had been friends. He'd simply heard the damning words:
> "Love my foot. If not for his money, why would I be trying so hard?"
"Once I get what I want, I'll leave him and live happily with my sweethe
