Chapter 3 – The Baby Was Never the Real Target
Daniel opened the door.
Two sheriff's deputies stood outside.
Behind them...
A black luxury SUV idled at the curb.
Its windows were tinted too dark to see inside.
One deputy removed his hat.
"Captain Collins?"
"We're here because someone filed an emergency petition claiming Miss Emily Carter is mentally unstable and intends to harm her unborn child."
Emily gasped.
"I never—"
The deputy raised a folder.
"The complaint was filed yesterday."
Daniel took it.
His eyes scanned the signature.
Margaret Collins.
His own mother.
Emily nearly collapsed.
"I knew she'd never stop..."
Daniel slowly turned around.
"Tell me this isn't your signature."
Margaret folded her arms.
"If the state takes the baby..."
"...you'll finally be free."
The kitchen became deathly silent.
One deputy looked visibly uncomfortable.
The other cleared his throat.
"Captain..."
"There's something else."
He handed Daniel another envelope.
Inside were medical records.
Daniel frowned.
"These aren't Emily's."
"No."
"They're your father's."
Margaret's face instantly drained of color.
Daniel looked at the diagnosis.
Terminal neurological disease.
Date diagnosed—
Eight years ago.
Eight years.
His father had supposedly died from a sudden heart attack.
Daniel slowly lifted his eyes.
"You lied about Dad too?"
Margaret took one frightened step backward.
"I had no choice."
"You don't understand."
Daniel's voice became frighteningly quiet.
"No..."
"I finally do."
At that exact moment—
The black SUV door opened.
A sharply dressed man stepped out carrying a leather briefcase.
He smiled directly at Margaret.
Then said something that froze everyone.
"Mrs. Collins..."
"The trust is ready."
May you like
"All we need now..."
"...is the baby."
