Chapter 35 - The Man Behind Everything
Walter Ashford had been dead for twenty years.
But his influence remained.
Margaret found his final financial records.
Payments to Hayes Family Services.
Payments to Victor Hale.
Payments to Linda.
Payments to a private investigator.
And one recurring payment.
To a woman named Eleanor Bennett.
Claire's supposed mother.
Margaret stared.
“Eleanor wasn't her mother.”
Arthur nodded.
“She was paid to pretend.”
Margaret found one final document.
A photograph.
Walter standing beside a young Claire.
The date was 1999.
Margaret's heart broke.
“He found her.”
Arthur looked at the image.
“Then why didn't he bring her home?”
Margaret read the note beneath the photograph.
Because Margaret must never know Claire survived.
Arthur looked at her.
“Why would he do that?”
Margaret's answer came slowly.
“Because Claire wasn't just my daughter.”
May you like
She pointed to the document.
“She was evidence.”
