Chapter 14 - The Recording Claire Hid
Claire’s hidden recordings were stored inside the casing of an old kitchen clock.
The same clock visible in the video of Lena washing dishes.
Mara found a microSD card taped behind the battery compartment.
There were sixty-three audio files.
The oldest was ten years old.
Rachel’s voice came first.
“I want Ethan here.”
Then my mother.
“He has made his position clear.”
A lawyer I did not recognize said, “Sign, and your daughter will be protected.”
Rachel was crying.
“Can I see her?”
Then Claire’s younger voice.
“Let her see the baby.”
My mother snapped, “You are being paid to follow instructions.”
Claire said, “I’m not being paid to torture her.”
The room went silent.
I looked at Claire across the table.
“You were recording from the beginning.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you give me this years ago?”
“Because I was afraid.”
“That answer doesn’t cover five years.”
“I know.”
Lena sat beside Rachel listening.
The next recording was worse.
Daniel’s voice, three years later.
“If Ethan sees the child, move her.”
Claire: “She’s asking about him.”
Daniel: “Then stop answering.”
Claire: “She cries at night.”
Daniel: “Children cry.”
Then my mother said, “Make her understand that wanting Ethan is dangerous.”
Lena reached for my hand.
I held it.
The final recording was made six months earlier.
Claire and Daniel arguing in the mansion kitchen.
Claire said, “I’m done. I’m telling Ethan.”
Daniel replied, “Then I’ll show him the guardianship file.”
Claire went quiet.
“What guardianship file?” I asked.
Mara searched the report index.
There it was.
PETITION FOR EMERGENCY GUARDIANSHIP - DRAFT.
The draft claimed I had a history of violent instability, substance abuse, and financial recklessness.
All false.
Attached were medical records.
My medical records.
Altered.
And at the bottom was the signature of the physician prepared to certify them.
Dr. Samuel Reeves.
But one other signature appeared beside his.
May you like
My attorney of sixteen years, Thomas Grant.
