Chapter 26 - The Names That ReturnedWithin forty-eight hours, the Orchard registry became the most protected evidence archive in the country.
Elena coordinated with investigators to separate victims from operators.
Some entries belonged to missing children.
Others belonged to judges, doctors, business leaders and government advisers.
Many had never known their histories were false.
Victor’s name appeared near the beginning.
ORCHARD 3.
His biological mother was listed as unknown.
His father was listed only by a code.
CHAIRMAN LINE.
Adrian read the record twice.
“You may actually be August’s son.”
Victor closed the file.
“I am Thomas Hale’s son.”
“Biologically—”
“Biology is what August used to turn people into property.”
Adrian did not argue.
Celeste underwent surgery to remove the remaining suppressor hardware. Doctors could not promise that her voice would return.
Mara remained under investigation but was not arrested. The evidence confirmed that she had repeatedly sabotaged August’s orders.
Ethan visited Celeste each afternoon.
He told her stories.
She answered by writing pictures.
On the third day, Serena requested to speak with Victor.
He refused.
She sent a message through Elena.
August visited me after Ethan was born.
Victor went to the detention center.
Serena looked smaller without the clothing and composure she had used at the mansion.
“What did he say?” Victor asked.
“He told me Ethan was not your first child.”
Victor stared at her.
Serena slid a photograph across the table.
It showed Celeste in a hospital bed seven years earlier.
A newborn lay beside her.
On the back was a handwritten name.
NOAH.
Victor looked at the date.
One year before he had met Celeste.
Serena leaned forward.
“August did not build Orchard to replace strangers.”
May you like
Her voice dropped.
“He built it to replace heirs.”
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