Chapter 7: The Woman Outside the Caregiver's House
“Who is outside your house?””
Daniel's voice was sharp enough to silence the entire living room.
The woman on the phone was breathing heavily.
“I don't know her personally, Mr. Whitmore. But she says she's related to your family. She knows Claire, and she knows the baby's name.””
Daniel looked at Claire.
His wife had gone completely still.
“What's the woman's name?”” he asked.
The caller hesitated.
“Victoria.””
My mother dropped into the nearest chair.
My father turned toward her.
“Margaret?””
She covered her mouth.
“No.””
Daniel lowered the phone.
“Who is Victoria?””
My mother looked up with tears in her eyes.
“Your aunt.””
Nobody moved.
Victoria Whitmore was my father's younger sister. She lived three towns away and rarely attended family gatherings, but she had been close to Daniel when we were growing up.
She was also the person who had introduced Claire to our family.
Daniel looked stunned.
“Aunt Victoria?””
My mother nodded slowly.
“She called me yesterday.””
“What did she want?””
“She asked whether the baby shower was still happening next Saturday.””
Daniel stared at her.
“Why didn't you tell me?””
“I didn't think anything of it.””
He turned toward the phone.
“Listen carefully. Don't open your door. Don't let anyone take the baby. We're contacting the authorities.””
The caregiver, whose name was Emily Carter, began crying.
“She keeps telling me the baby belongs to her. She's showing me documents. She says she's authorized to collect the child.””
Daniel looked at Marcus.
“What's going on?””
Marcus rubbed his forehead.
“Victoria was supposed to help with the arrangements.””
“What arrangements?””
Marcus glanced at Claire.
She looked away.
Daniel's voice rose.
“I'm done with the secrets. Start talking.””
Marcus took a breath.
“Victoria introduced me to Claire.””
My mother shook her head.
“That isn't possible.””
“I'm afraid it is.””
He continued.
“Victoria knew Claire wanted a child. She also knew I was struggling financially because Rachel and I had separated temporarily after our daughter was born.””
Rachel stepped forward.
“Separated? We were never separated. You moved out because you didn't want responsibility.””
Marcus looked uncomfortable.
“That's not how I remember it.””
Rachel laughed bitterly.
“You remember whatever makes you look innocent.””
Marcus ignored her.
“Victoria told me Claire was willing to help with the baby's expenses. She said she could provide a stable home and that everyone would benefit.””
Daniel stared at him.
“And you agreed?””
“I thought it was temporary.””
“What was temporary?””
“The arrangement.””
Daniel pointed toward the door.
“Taking a baby from her mother isn't temporary.””
Marcus lowered his head.
“I know.””
Rachel stepped forward.
“You knew exactly what you were doing. You took money from Claire and convinced her she could have my daughter.””
Marcus looked at her.
“I never said she could legally adopt her.””
“You let her believe it!””
“I needed the money!””
Rachel's voice cracked.
“So did I! But I never sold my child!””
Sophie, who had been sitting beside my mother, looked up.
“Is the baby lost?””
Rachel immediately knelt beside her.
“No, sweetheart. We're going to find her.””
Sophie frowned.
“Why doesn't the baby stay with her mommy?””
Rachel kissed her forehead.
“That's what we're trying to make happen.””
Daniel returned his attention to Emily.
“Can you describe the woman outside?””
“She looks about sixty. Short brown hair. She's wearing a blue coat.””
My father closed his eyes.
“That's Victoria.””
Daniel looked at Marcus.
“Why would my aunt want the baby?””
Marcus swallowed.
“Because she was the one who suggested the entire plan.””
My mother stood up.
“Stop lying!””
Marcus looked at her.
“I'm not.””
“Victoria would never do something like this.””
Daniel turned toward his mother.
“Mom, please.””
She shook her head.
“She's your father's sister.””
“And Claire was my wife.””
The room fell silent.
My mother sat down again.
Daniel asked Emily to remain inside and contact the police if the woman tried to enter.
Then he ended the call.
For several seconds, he stared at his phone.
Finally, he dialed the police.
He explained the missing child, the forged authorization, the conflicting claims, and the names of everyone involved.
While he spoke, I noticed Claire quietly reaching for her handbag.
I moved between her and the door.
“Where are you going?””
She froze.
“Move.””
“No.””
“I need to get some air.””
“You can get air in the garden.””
She glared at me.
“You have no idea what you're doing.””
“Neither do you, apparently.””
She stepped closer.
“Give me my bag.””
I looked down.
Her phone was inside.
“Why?””
“Because I need to call someone.””
“Who?””
She didn't answer.
Daniel ended his call and turned toward us.
“What is happening?””
I pointed at the handbag.
“Claire was trying to leave.””
He looked at her.
“Don't go anywhere.””
Claire's eyes filled.
“Daniel, you can't keep me here.””
“I'm not keeping you anywhere. But the police are coming, and I want you here when they arrive.””
She sat down.
Marcus moved toward the window.
My father immediately blocked his path.
“You're staying too.””
Marcus looked irritated.
“I have nothing to hide.””
“Then you won't mind waiting.””
At that moment, Rachel's phone vibrated.
She looked at the screen.
A message had arrived from an unknown number.
Her expression changed.
“What is it?”” I asked.
She turned the phone toward us.
The message contained a photograph.
A baby girl sleeping in a white blanket.
Beneath it were six words.
Victoria says the arrangement is finished.
Rachel began shaking.
Then another message appeared.
Tell Claire she has until midnight.
Daniel took the phone.
“Until midnight for what?””
Rachel read the next message aloud.
“Or the truth about Emily's father becomes public.””
Daniel looked confused.
“Emily?””
Rachel nodded.
“That's my daughter's name.””
Then she looked at Marcus.
And for the first time that evening, he appeared genuinely frightened.
Because whatever Victoria was threatening to reveal, it involved a secret that Marcus had apparently spent years trying to bury.
Daniel stared at him.
“Who is Emily's father?””
Marcus didn't answer.
May you like
Rachel whispered:
“That's the problem, Daniel. Marcus isn't.””
