Chapter 17 - EVELYN MERCER
The meeting took place in a federal office under heavy protection.
Evelyn entered alone.
She was older than Rachel expected.
But the eyes in the photograph were unmistakable.
Rachel stood across from her.
Neither woman spoke.
Finally Evelyn whispered:
“Rachel.”
Rachel's face hardened.
“Don't call me that like you have the right.”
Evelyn lowered her eyes.
“I don't.”
“Who am I?”
Evelyn looked at Ethan.
“Your husband deserves to hear this too.”
She sat.
“You were born Rachel Mercer.”
Rachel froze.
“Mercer?”
“Yes.”
“Then why was I Carter?”
“Because I gave you away.”
Ethan stepped forward.
“Why?”
Evelyn's voice broke.
“Because Marlene wasn't protecting you.”
Rachel stared.
“She was controlling you.”
Evelyn explained that decades earlier, a private medical program had recruited vulnerable families.
Marlene became involved.
Thomas followed.
Samuel handled the records.
Children were given new identities and moved between approved guardians.
Rachel had been one of them.
But Evelyn had discovered the program.
She tried to take her daughter back.
Marlene stopped her.
“Why didn't you come for me?”
“I did.”
“When?”
“Three times.”
Rachel's eyes widened.
“Then why don't I remember?”
May you like
Evelyn whispered:
“Because they made sure you wouldn't.”
