Chapter 06 - Letters from the Past

For a long time, Kyera was silent, staring at the paper in her hands with a blank expression. The letter didn't explain much, but it did shed light on some issues, such as the fact that Kyera had grown up believing that she had been abandoned. However, there were still mysteries about Sara's actions. What sins could have been so grave that her mother would send her only daughter to live with her older sister in another state? Kyera's doubts only deepened.

— She didn't abandon me... she was protecting me! – Kyera murmured, as tears streamed down her face. – But protecting me from what? Or from whom?

Taking a deep breath, Kyera pulled the papers out of the brown envelope and began to analyze them.

— You were right, Sophie! – smiled Kyera. – It's a deed, but not for a house... it's for a horse farm in Texas.

— A horse farm? – Sophie asked, confused. – What's that?

— It's a farm that specializes in breeding and training racehorses. – Kyera explained. – A horse with a good pedigree can become a champion and be worth a fortune.

— Wow! And your mother left this stud farm to you?

— No, that deed belongs to the Stella family. – Kyera sighed. – When I was a child, they were well known in Lone Ridge for their horse breeding. They owned the largest property in town. It seems that my father struck a blow against Maximilian Stella and somehow got possession of the property. My mother intercepted the documents and sent them to Siena.

Examining the other papers, Kyera found a power of attorney signed by Maximilian Stella, granting Vince full powers to transfer the land into his name.

Kyera vaguely remembered her father, Vince, and knew that he was not well liked in Lone Ridge, carrying a bad reputation in the town. Suspicious that those documents were not exactly what they seemed, Kyera realized that she would need legal assistance to understand better.

— And what are you going to do now, Ky? – Sophie asked, her face worried.

— First, I need to talk to our lawyer to understand these documents. – replied Kyera, picking up her cell phone. – Then I'll think about how to return the property, if that's the case. Even if I have to go to Lone Ridge and deliver them in person.

Sophie widened her eyes, startled.

— Ky, your mother begged your aunt never to let you go back to that town! – Sophie said, alarmed. – We don't know what kind of danger awaits you there. What if something happens to you? What if... you die?

— That's exactly why I need to go back. There are too many unanswered questions, and only one person can give me those answers. – Kyera said, determined, as she dialed Michael's number. – My father owes me this, and I'm going to make him talk, even if I have to tie him up and drag him away with my motorcycle.

Kyera briefly explained the situation to Michael as soon as he picked up.

— Well, first of all, we need to check that these documents are authentic. – he said, sounding busy.

— Would you have some time to see me today?

— Today? It's late. Why don't we leave it until tomorrow morning?

— Fine! I'll come by at eight tomorrow.

— Perfect! Bring some coffee, strong and without sugar.

— You got it. See you tomorrow!

— See you.

After hanging up, Kyera gathered up the papers she had taken out of the envelope and put them away again, except for the letter. Although it wasn't addressed to her, it was the only thing she had from her mother, and she made a point of keeping it in her drawer.

After putting the papers away, Kyera allowed herself a moment to process everything she had discovered. The pain she had always carried, thinking that her mother had abandoned her, now took on new layers. Sara's protection, the threat coming from her father, Vince, and the mystery surrounding the Stella stud farm. Each piece seemed to fit into something bigger, something she still couldn't see clearly, but knew she was about to discover.

Sophie, who had remained silent until then, approached and put her hand on Kyera's shoulder.

— I know it must be hard for you to process all this right now, but... – she hesitated for a moment, as if choosing her words. – I'm here. No matter what happens.

Kyera smiled, a small gesture, but full of gratitude.

— Thank you, Sophie. I just... I don't know what to expect when I get back to Lone Ridge. But I have to. It's like a part of me is stuck there.

— And maybe it is, Ky. Maybe that's what you need to finally move on. – Sophie replied softly.

The sound of thunder rumbled outside, making them look out of the window. The storm in Manhattan seemed to be a reflection of Kyera's inner turmoil.

— I'll face whatever it takes to find out the truth. – Kyera said, with a new determination in her eyes. – No matter what my father is hiding, or what he might try to do. I'm ready.

Sophie nodded, despite the worry still visible in her gaze.

— Just promise me one thing... – she said, hesitantly. – That you'll be careful, okay? I don't want you to put yourself in danger unnecessarily.

— I promise! – Kyera said sincerely. – But I also promise that I'll go after the answers, no matter what it takes.

Sophie hugged Kyera, and for a brief moment, the two friends allowed themselves this silent comfort. When they parted, the ring of the intercom brought them back to reality. The Japanese food had arrived.

— Time to eat! – Sophie said, trying to lighten the heavy mood. – You're going to need strength to face all this.

Kyera laughed, even though she knew Sophie's humor was an attempt to calm their nerves.

— You're right. Let's eat and forget about our problems for one night.

They sat down on the floor again, with the sushi boxes between them, and began to share funny stories and happy memories. For a few hours, Kyera was able to detach herself from the dilemmas that awaited her. However, deep down, she knew that letter from her mother would change everything.

As the night wore on and Sophie decided to go to bed in the guest room, Kyera retreated to her own room, but sleep seemed far away. Sitting up in bed, she picked up the brown envelope once more, running her fingers over the edges as if she could feel her mother's presence through it.

— Mom, I'm going to find out the truth. – she whispered to herself, like a silent promise.

The rain continued to fall outside, and Kyera finally lay down. With her mother's letter in mind and a new mission ahead of her, she fell asleep, knowing that dawn would bring the start of a new journey. Lone Ridge awaited her, with all the answers she so desperately needed, as well as the dangers Sara so feared.

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