Chapter 5 - THE CHILD THEY STOLE Adrian was released on bail the next morning.
Within hours, television cameras surrounded the courthouse.
He emerged wearing a dark suit and an expression of wounded innocence.
“My wife suffered an unfortunate injury during an emotional family dispute.”
He looked directly into the cameras.
“I love Claire.”
By sunset, the internet was full of stories about me.
I was unstable.
Vindictive.
Possessive.
According to anonymous sources, I had attacked Adrian first.
My employer placed me on administrative leave.
The Caldwell machine had begun moving.
Then Adrian called me.
He violated the restraining order.
Reyes recorded the conversation.
“You married me for the condo,” I said.
Silence.
Then Adrian answered.
“At first.”
My chest tightened.
“At first?”
“I didn't expect to develop feelings.”
“You don't hit someone you love with a plate.”
“You embarrassed me.”
“No.”
I stared at the recorder.
“You were afraid.”
He said nothing.
Then I asked the question that changed everything.
“Where is Lydia's daughter?”
His breathing stopped.
I knew then.
He knew.
Later that night, Reyes brought me a photograph from the Caldwell vineyard.
Twenty-three people stood around a Christmas tree.
Twenty-four if I counted the little girl hidden behind Eleanor.
Grace.
Adrian's eyes.
Lydia's smile.
The next morning, Grace disappeared.
A photograph arrived at my condo.
Grace was asleep in the back seat of a car.
The message beneath it was simple:
TRANSFER THE CONDO BY NOON.
WITHDRAW YOUR STATEMENT.
LYDIA DISAPPEARS.
THE CHILD COMES HOME.
The driver was Julian.
Maya recognized the location.
May you like
An abandoned silver mine outside Reno.
We left before dawn.
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