Chapter 26 - The Witness in Row Seven
Rebecca began doubting herself.
Malcolm claimed the Registry had used experimental memory treatments on the adults as well as the children.
The judge prepared to recognize Lydia temporarily until a full investigation could be completed.
A man rose from the seventh row.
Daniel Keene removed his hat.
“I witnessed Rebecca sign the document.”
Nora stared at her foster father.
Daniel approached the witness stand and admitted he had worked as a nurse at the clinic.
Rebecca had signed the adoption file, but the document Malcolm presented was incomplete.
The original contained four pages.
Malcolm had shown only three.
On the missing page, Rebecca refused to select one child. She demanded that all the girls receive independent identities and legal protection.
Samuel then created separate sealed records for each of them.
Daniel had hidden the fourth page inside Nora’s hospital bracelet.
Nora opened the bracelet’s metal clasp.
A tightly folded document slid into her palm.
The missing page invalidated Malcolm’s claim.
The judge froze the trust and suspended Lydia’s transfer.
Federal agents moved toward Malcolm.
Adrian pulled the fire alarm.
Smoke canisters rolled beneath the courtroom benches. People rushed toward the exits while Malcolm disappeared through the judge’s chambers.
Lydia grabbed Elise’s arm.
“He will kill Rebecca before he surrenders.”
“Why warn me?”
“Because I was never meant to become you.”
Lydia admitted Malcolm had promised to give her a permanent identity after the hearing.
Instead, she discovered transfer orders erasing Lydia Crane completely.
Malcolm intended to remove every witness, including her.
A gunshot-like crack sounded from the corridor, followed by breaking glass.
Victor entered the chambers after his father.
Elise followed.
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When she reached the stairwell, both men were gone.
Victor’s wedding ring lay on the floor beside a trail of blood.
