Chapter 16
Dr. Voss took a plea and testified.
He named Margaret.
He named the agency director.
He named lawyers, nurses, and donors.
He admitted Bennett Fertility had supplied infants to wealthy families through falsified death claims and coerced consents.
He admitted Serena’s pregnancy involved unauthorized donor material.
He admitted Poppy’s placement was arranged through Margaret, who wanted leverage over Grant after he refused to cut ties with me.
I felt sick.
Grant had thought we were adopting through chance.
Maybe some part of him suspected later.
Maybe that was why he investigated.
Maybe that was why he died.
The boating accident investigation reopened too.
Grant’s car had been found near the marina.
His boat had exploded offshore.
New evidence from Voss’s hard drive showed a payment to a mechanic two days before the explosion.
From Margaret.
The trial expanded.
Conspiracy.
Kidnapping.
Fraud.
Medical abuse.
Murder.
Margaret finally showed emotion when the murder charge was read.
Not fear.
Fury.
“You ungrateful little thing,” she hissed at me during recess.
Elena stepped between us.
“She is Poppy’s mother.”
Margaret sneered.
“And what are you?”
Elena lifted her chin.
“Also Poppy’s mother.”
For once, Margaret had no answer.
Poppy was not in court.
I would not let her childhood become public property.
But that night, she asked, “Did everyone tell the truth?”
“Yes.”
“Even the scary parts?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“Good. Lies make my tummy hurt.”
May you like
Mine too, baby.
Mine too.
