Chapter 13 - Lorraine’s First Lie
Megan did not want to visit Lorraine.
She had spent more than a year rebuilding a life in which Lorraine’s voice no longer controlled the temperature of a room. The thought of sitting across from her again brought back memories of locked doors and carefully disguised threats.
Jake did not pressure her.
“You decide,” he said. “Not her.”
That was why Megan eventually agreed.
She wanted the decision to belong to her.
The interview took place behind thick glass. Lorraine entered wearing a plain prison uniform. Her hair had turned almost completely gray.
For several seconds, she stared at Megan without speaking.
“You look healthy,” Lorraine finally said.
Megan did not respond.
“And Grace?”
“You don’t get to ask about her.”
Pain crossed Lorraine’s face, but Megan could not tell whether it was genuine.
Detective Bennett placed a copy of the hospital photograph against the glass.
“Who is the second baby?” Megan asked.
Lorraine looked away.
“My daughter.”
Jake, watching from the adjoining room, gripped the edge of the desk.
Lorraine explained that she had been told she was carrying one child. After the delivery, she woke briefly and heard two babies crying. Andrew stood near the window arguing with a hospital administrator.
By morning, only Jake remained.
The doctor told Lorraine she had imagined the second child because of medication and blood loss.
“Andrew told you the same thing?” Megan asked.
“At first.”
“What changed?”
“Three years later, I found a hospital bracelet in his locked desk.”
Lorraine placed both hands on the table.
“It said Baby Sullivan B. Female.”
“Why didn’t you report it?”
“I confronted Andrew. He admitted there had been another baby.”
Jake closed his eyes.
Megan leaned closer to the glass.
“What did he do with her?”
Lorraine’s answer came slowly.
“He said he had signed something he could never undo.”
May you like
Before Megan could ask another question, Lorraine glanced toward the observation window.
“And someone has been watching your family because they believe Jake’s sister is still alive.”
