Zane's letter agreed.
I should have slowed everything down.
I should have waited for Claire to wake.
I should have told Rebecca grief was not consent.
Instead, I let my fear decide for everyone.
The hospital was a small private maternity center.
Helen Ward, the social worker, had handled confidential placements before.
A physician named Dr. Martin Vale—no relation to us—agreed to an “emergency placement” using paperwork Zane later admitted was not honest.
Rebecca signed a relinquishment naming Zane as temporary guardian.
Zane signed.
Then records were altered.
My daughter's death was entered under a generic neonatal identification number.
Rebecca's daughter was attached to my maternity chart.
The next morning, a nurse placed her in my arms.
Emily.
I whispered:
“What did Zane tell Rebecca?”
Catherine read.
I promised her Claire would be told before we left the hospital.
I broke that promise.
My stomach turned.
“He promised.”
