Sophie Found an Old Photograph and a Note That Said “Tomorrow” — Then Daniel Asked Vanessa Who the Man Was
Chapter 8 — Eric’s Version
Eric was eighty now.
Noah had found him through public records.
Before meeting Adrian, Noah decided to contact the man listed as his biological father.
Eric gave him a completely different story.
He claimed Caroline suffered from severe emotional instability.
He said Adrian manipulated her.
Then took Nathan without permission.
He insisted he spent years looking for his son.
“Did he?” Daniel asked.
Adrian shook his head.
There were police records.
But something strange appeared when Noah began reviewing them.
Eric stopped cooperating with investigators only six months after the disappearance.
He withdrew a private reward.
Then moved away.
More importantly, Caroline’s surviving medical records contradicted several statements Eric made about her condition.
She had experienced anxiety.
But there was no evidence supporting his claim that she was incapable of making decisions.
Noah eventually agreed to meet everyone with an attorney present.
The meeting took place two days later.
Vanessa watched the door.
Then a man entered carrying a folder.
Adrian stood.
Noah stopped when he saw him.
“Adrian?”
Adrian’s eyes filled immediately.
“Nathan.”
Noah’s expression hardened.
“Don’t call me that yet.”
Adrian nodded.
“Okay.”
Noah sat down.
He had brought one more piece of evidence.
A cassette recording found among Helen’s belongings.
The tape contained a phone conversation.
Helen’s voice.
Then Caroline’s.
Caroline was crying.
“Keep him there. Eric is looking for Adrian. Please don’t bring Nathan back yet.”
Everyone went silent.
Noah looked toward Adrian.
“She knew where I was.”
Adrian nodded.
For the first time, Noah had proof that his mother had not believed he was kidnapped.
