Chapter 11 - Doreen’s Last Move
Doreen did not surrender.
She changed tactics.
Two days later, a story appeared online.
LOCAL MOTHER SUFFERS POSTPARTUM CRISIS AT PRESTIGIOUS MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
No names appeared.
But enough details were included that friends recognized Leah.
Messages flooded her phone.
ARE YOU OKAY?
DO YOU NEED HELP?
I HEARD YOU TRIED TO RUN AWAY WITH THE BABY.
Leah stared at the screen.
Doreen was building the story outside the hospital now.
If she couldn’t control Leah medically, she would control public perception.
Then a social worker arrived.
“Mrs. Carver?”
Leah looked up.
“My name is Tessa Morgan.”
Leah’s stomach tightened.
“Why are you here?”
“We received a child welfare report.”
Evelyn stood immediately.
“Based on what allegation?”
Tessa opened her folder.
“That Mrs. Carver threatened to harm herself and her infant.”
Leah almost laughed.
The timing was too perfect.
Evelyn did not.
“Who filed it?”
“I cannot disclose that.”
Leah looked at Nathan.
He had been standing near the window.
His face suddenly changed.
“Mom.”
Everyone looked at him.
Nathan stepped forward.
“She did this.”
Evelyn stared at him.
Nathan reached into his pocket.
He removed his phone.
“I have messages.”
Doreen had sent them that morning.
DO NOT LET LEAH LEAVE.
THE TRUST MUST REMAIN UNDER FAMILY CONTROL.
IF YOU HAVE TO REPORT HER AGAIN, DO IT.
Nathan handed the phone to Tessa.
“I’m done.”
Leah stared at him.
Nathan looked at her.
“I should have done this before.”
“Yes.”
May you like
“I know.”
It was the first truthful thing he had said in days.
