Sophie Found an Old Photograph and a Note That Said “Tomorrow” — Then Daniel Asked Vanessa Who the Man Was
Chapter 7 — Vanessa’s Mother Knew
Vanessa’s mother, Patricia, had been Caroline’s older sister.
After Caroline died, Patricia helped clear her apartment.
That was when she found the letter.
According to Adrian, Patricia contacted him once.
Only once.
She admitted finding evidence that Caroline willingly gave Nathan to him.
Adrian begged her to take the letter to police.
Patricia refused.
“Why?” Vanessa asked.
Adrian looked exhausted.
“Because Eric was still alive.”
Eric had remarried.
Built a respectable business.
Become influential in their hometown.
Patricia feared reopening the case would bring him back into the family’s life.
She also feared Caroline would be remembered as the mother who lied about a kidnapping.
So she chose silence.
Vanessa looked sick.
“My mother protected a dead person’s reputation instead of correcting your life.”
Adrian nodded slowly.
“That’s one way to say it.”
Vanessa looked away.
Then Daniel approached from across the station.
Adrian immediately stood.
“You weren’t alone.”
Vanessa replied:
“No.”
“I told you—”
Daniel interrupted.
“You’ve had thirty years of secrets. We’re done adding more.”
Adrian stared at him.
Then unexpectedly sat back down.
“Fair enough.”
Daniel looked through the documents.
“Where is Noah?”
Adrian hesitated.
“He was supposed to be here today.”
Vanessa looked around.
“Then where is he?”
Adrian checked his phone.
A message had arrived.
Only one sentence.
SOMEONE ELSE CONTACTED ME FIRST. I NEED TO KNOW WHICH STORY IS TRUE.
Underneath was a name.
ERIC MERCER.
