The Heritage Paper

Chapter 53



It all happened so fast that Veronica wasn’t even sure what just occurred. But she knew someone who did.

Youkelstein was alive, but badly hurt. She touched his midsection and his face contorted in pain. She wasn’t a doctor, but was fairly certain he had broken ribs. She feared potential internal injuries.

This beating would have tested the limits of a healthy person in their prime, but at Youkelstein’s age, and with his frailty, she knew it could prove fatal. He needed medical treatment ASAP.

She thought to call the police. But where would she even start? And could she trust them? Eddie was a well-connected NYPD cop who’d been given the plum assignment of providing protection for a presidential nominee on election night—a candidate who’s safety might now be in question, based on these developments.

Her one ray of hope was Eddie’s final words to her—that he would keep the children safe. She could only hope that Eddie knew the kids were in danger and forcefully took them so he could safely hide them, knowing she’d never allow it. Her gut mocked that theory.

She helped Youkelstein into the car. One minute he was lying to them about his knowledge of the letters and his meeting with Carsten, and now he was risking his life trying to save her children. He was a mystery wrapped in a riddle. And she had a sudden interest in that “new information” he wanted to discuss earlier … but first things first.

She couldn’t risk taking him to the hospital, so they returned to Veronica’s house. Zach and TJ were still there, along with her mother. When she hugged her, Veronica broke down, and began sobbing in her mother’s arms. Not even after Carsten died did she let it out like this. She tried to be so strong then—for the kids—but now they were gone, and so was her strength.

Veronica didn’t have time to explain the situation, Eddie’s involvement, or anything Nazi related. Her mother read her thoughts—that she needed to be alone—so she took Youkelstein to her house, to give him some basic medical attention.

That left Zach and TJ.

“I hope you know I had nothing to do with this, Veronica. That stuff he was saying was completely false,” Zach said.

“I believe you,” she replied.

What she really needed was for Zach to play the role of Carsten. Patiently holding her steady until she could get herself together. She knew that to find Maggie and Jamie she would need a calm, clear mind.

After a couple deep breaths, she said, “It’s Eddie—he took the kids.”

Zach took a step back, shocked. “Eddie? What are you talking about?”

She told him the whole story—beginning with the mysterious one-way call, and ending where Eddie told her she didn’t understand.

She still didn’t.

Veronica walked to her closet and took out a heavy jacket. She put the coat on and headed toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Zach asked.

“I don’t know—but I have to find them.”

“Listen, going on a wild goose chase isn’t going to help anything. And it might hurt your chances. We need to take a step back and take a logical approach.”

His voice was calm. And even though his words were in conflict with her motherly instincts, she knew he was right. “What do you suggest?”

“I think we need to keep following Ellen’s clues.”

“But the next clue was on her Facebook page, and only Maggie had the password.”

TJ was standing quietly nearby. His terrified look had vanished, and he was now smiling like the cat that got the canary.

“You got something to add?” his father asked.

“Yeah—I know the password.”