CHAPTER 2: THE PAPERS
The nurse didn’t scream.
She didn’t act shocked.
She simply stepped in front of Linda and said, “Everyone out.”
Linda smiled.
“This is a family matter.”
The nurse looked at the doctor.
“No. This is a crime scene.”
That was when I realized she already knew.
Her name tag read Rachel Monroe.
She crouched beside the bed and reached for me.
“Mrs. Carter,” she whispered, “you’re safe with me. Move slowly.”
I crawled out shaking.
Emily ran to me and wrapped her arms around my neck.
I held her with one arm and reached toward the bassinet with the other.
“My baby,” I whispered.
Rachel nodded. “He’s safe.”
Linda’s face hardened.
“You are confused, Anna. You’re exhausted. You’re not thinking clearly.”
I looked at the clipboard in her hand.
“What did you make me sign?”
She didn’t answer.
Rachel snatched it from her.
The top page had my name.
Anna Carter.
Below it was a signature that looked almost like mine.
Almost.
Consent for voluntary psychiatric admission.
Temporary guardianship transfer.
Newborn custody authorization.
My knees almost gave out.
Then I saw Mark’s signature at the bottom.
My husband had signed as witness.
Emily began crying.
“Dad did this?”
Nobody answered.
The door opened again.
Mark walked in wearing the same navy sweater he had worn while holding my hand during labor.
He looked at Linda.
Then at the clipboard.
Then at me.
His face went white.
“Anna,” he said. “This isn’t what you think.”
I stared at him.
“You tried to take my children.”
He shook his head quickly.
“My mother said you were unstable. She said after the birth you’d be dangerous.”
Linda snapped, “Quiet, Mark.”
That one command told me everything.
Mark wasn’t the mastermind.
He was the coward.
Rachel pulled out her phone.
“I already called hospital legal and police.”
Linda’s calm mask cracked.
“You stupid little nurse.”
Rachel smiled faintly.
“Not stupid. Recording.”
She lifted her phone.
On the screen was a video.
Linda’s voice played clearly:
“Once she wakes up, it will all be finished.”
Mark staggered backward.
May you like
Dr. Keller reached for the door.
But two security guards were already standing there.
