Chapter 4
The police took statements in the church office.
Not the sanctuary.
Not under flowers and candles.
In a small room with a metal desk, a dusty bookshelf, and a framed picture of the chapel from 1978.
Emily sat on my lap the whole time.
She would not let go of my hand.
I did not ask her to.
Officer Ramirez crouched so he was level with her.
“Emily, can you tell me who gave you the note?”
She looked at me.
I nodded.
“Rebecca.”
“When?”
“Behind the chapel.”
“What did she say?”
Emily swallowed.
“She said I had to be brave and not cry because Daddy needed a new life.”
My throat burned.
Officer Ramirez’s face stayed calm, but his jaw tightened.
“What else?”
“She said after the wedding, a lady would take me to a school. She said I could not call Daddy until I learned to be respectful.”
My arms tightened around her.
“Did she say your dad agreed?”
Emily nodded.
“She said he signed.”
The officer looked at me.
“I signed nothing.”
“We will compare the signatures,” he said.
Rebecca gave her statement in the next room.
We could hear parts of it through the wall.
“She is jealous.”
“She lies for attention.”
“Daniel has never processed his first wife’s death.”
“My attorney can explain everything.”
My first wife.
My late wife.
Sarah.
Emily’s mother.
Rebecca only said her name when she wanted to sound kind.
The rest of the time, Sarah was “the past.”
A chapter I needed to close.
A shadow in the house.
A woman Rebecca had never met but somehow hated.
Claire came in with coffee I did not drink.
“Guests are leaving,” she said softly. “People are talking.”
“Good.”
She sat across from me.
“Dad is outside.”
I looked toward the door.
“Does he know more?”
Claire hesitated.
“He says Rebecca told him the program was for grief counseling. Day visits. Support. Not removal.”
I wanted to believe that.
I also wanted to scream at him for not asking me.
Emily rested her head against my chest.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Are you still getting married?”
“No.”
She lifted her head.
“Because of me?”
“No,” I said immediately. “Because Rebecca lied. Because she hurt you. Because a person who loves me must love you safely too.”
Her eyes filled.
“I thought you would be mad.”
“At you?”
She nodded.
I pressed my forehead to hers.
“You told me the truth. That was brave.”
She whispered, “I was scared.”
“Brave people are scared. They tell the truth anyway.”
The door opened.
Officer Ramirez stepped in.
His expression had changed.
“Mr. Hayes, we found something in Ms. Cole’s purse.”
Rebecca.
I stood, lifting Emily with me.
“What?”
“A second note. Also addressed to Emily. And a printed travel itinerary.”
My stomach dropped.
“Travel?”
He handed me a copy.
A flight.
Tonight.
One adult.
One child.
Destination: Arizona.
The name of the school was printed at the bottom.
Redwood Ridge Behavioral Center.
Emily’s name was on the form.
Guardian contact: Rebecca Cole.
My vision blurred.
“Tonight?”
“Yes.”
The officer looked grim.
“There was also a signed consent form naming Rebecca as temporary guardian beginning upon marriage.”
“I did not sign that.”
“We understand.”
Claire covered her mouth.
Emily began shaking again.
“I was going tonight?”
I turned her face gently toward mine.
“No. You are staying with me.”
Officer Ramirez continued.
“The attorney claims he believed all parties had consented. We are verifying that. Ms. Cole is being detained while we investigate the forged documents and attempted interference with custody.”
“Detained?” Emily asked.
“It means she has to answer questions,” I said.
The officer’s gaze softened.
“It also means she cannot take you anywhere.”
Emily looked at him.
“Ever?”
He glanced at me.
May you like
“Not if your dad says no.”
I said, “I say no.”
