Then Owen found the shelter's city.
Not the address.
Close enough.
A threatening letter came through a mutual acquaintance.
Rebecca panicked.
She believed a child connected to her would become a way for Owen to locate her.
Then she met Zane again in the hospital.
“He looked terrible.”
Rebecca almost smiled.
“He had just lost a baby.”
“I knew that.”
“I asked if Claire wanted children.”
“He said yes.”
Rebecca looked at me.
“I could hear you crying in the room down the hall when you woke the first time.”
I didn't remember waking.
She continued.
“I thought…”
She closed her eyes.
“I thought I could give you something good while I disappeared.”
Emily's voice shook.
“Did you want me?”
Rebecca looked directly at her.
“Yes.”
Immediate.
“So why—”
“Because wanting you and believing I could keep you safe were two different things.”
Emily started crying.
Rebecca did too.
“I signed temporary placement papers.”
