Chapter 7 - Emily’s Call
Vanessa thought Lily was confused.
Phone records proved otherwise.
Yesterday afternoon an unknown number called Vanessa’s phone for forty-two seconds while Lily was using it to play a game.
Vanessa had been showering.
Lily answered.
A woman spoke.
Lily believed it was mother.
What did she say?
“Go to dinner tomorrow.”
“Why?”
“Find Daniel.”
“What else?”
Lily concentrated.
“Mommy said look at pregnant lady.”
Claire’s skin prickled.
“And then?”
“If her tummy moves like mine did, tell her Daniel said baby died.”
Vanessa corrected gently.
“Your tummy?”
Lily shook head.
“Mommy’s.”
Emily had orchestrated Lily’s confrontation.
Why use seven-year-old child?
If truly Emily, it was manipulative and dangerous.
But it suggested she was alive yesterday.
Police traced number.
Prepaid phone.
Purchased near Baltimore.
Security footage showed buyer:
woman in baseball cap.
Face partially visible.
Facial comparison gave moderate probability of Emily Dawson.
Not enough for certainty.
Then Vanessa received email.
From anonymous encrypted account.
Subject:
CLAIRE IS CASE 18.
Attached were Emily’s complete medical records.
And audio.
Emily’s voice from two years earlier:
“Dr. Mercer, you told me there was no heartbeat.”
Daniel:
“I was wrong. The second scan is showing activity. That's why we're transferring you.”
Emily:
“Is my baby alive?”
Daniel:
“I believe so.”
This changed accusation.
Daniel had indeed initially told Emily baby died.
But when evidence changed, he told her.
He had not knowingly maintained lie.
Next recording occurred at pavilion.
Richard Mercer:
“Emily, your daughter is alive.”
Emily sobbing.
“Then give her to me.”
Richard:
“She's unstable. She needs NICU.”
“Where?”
“We're arranging transfer.”
Then another voice.
Female.
“You cannot let Emily see destination paperwork.”
Claire replayed.
Vanessa recognized voice.
“Helen Shaw.”
Chief research nurse.
Helen had retired.
Investigators found address.
Empty.
She had left three days ago.
On kitchen counter:
airline ticket never used.
And photograph of a teenage girl.
Approximately sixteen? Timeline baby 2 years ago, no. The baby would be two. So photograph can't be Emily baby. Need avoid confusion. Photo of young adult perhaps Emily? Better a toddler girl.
A toddler girl.
About two years old.
Dark hair.
On back:
CASE 17 — ALIVE.
Vanessa’s knees weakened.
Emily’s daughter might still be alive.
Then Claire looked closer.
Toddler wore medical bracelet.
May you like
Printed surname:
MERCER.
