The midwife took Catherine apart from the delivery chair after her daughter Khloe gave birth. Linda had worked at this maternity hospital for forty years, a constant presence in a place where new life began. But suddenly her hands shook as she took off her latex gloves. Catherine sensed a deep, troubling gravity in Linda’s eyes, even before she uttered the first words.
“Was it really your daughter who had the baby?” The medic’s voice seemed strained, as if she had to push each syllable out past a lump in her throat.
Linda looked across at the ward, where a young nurse was carefully caring for the baby, and then she looked back at Catherine. Catherine could only stare back, bewildered, because the question was so strange and out of place in the cheerful commotion of the maternity wing.
“Yes, of course, mine.” Khloe. What is wrong? Catherine’s heart, which had been racing with delight at becoming a grandmother, started to stutter and race. A cold fear began to creep into the corners of her happiness.
The midwife grasped her firmly by the elbow and led her down the quiet, antiseptic-smelling hallway, away from the balloons and words of congratulations. Linda remarked in a quiet, frantic voice, “You need to call the police right away.” “And get a good lawyer.” “Today.”
Her face was pale, almost gray beneath the fluorescent lights, and she never took her eyes off of Catherine’s, as if she were looking for proof of a dreadful, unspoken fear.
Catherine begged, “Linda, I don’t understand what’s going on,” her voice shaking. “Is the baby okay?” Is he ill? She tried to peek back into the ward, hoping to see her grandson, but the midwife stood in her way.
Linda told her, “The baby is physically fine,” but these words did not make her feel better. “But you need to examine his right hand closely.” Take a close look.
As Catherine walked into the ward, her imagination raced with a hundred awful things that could happen. She walked over to the changing table, where the baby was lying quietly with his tiny, exquisite fingers curled into fists. He was a small marvel wrapped in a lovely blue blanket. The nurse could tell there was strain, so she gently uncurled the baby’s right hand.
And there, on the inside of his small wrist, Catherine saw something that made her world fall apart. It was a crescent-shaped birthmark, like a beautiful, pale brown moon. It was the same mark that her husband, Rick, had. She remembered clearly from old pictures that it was the same mark as his late father’s. Rick had even been proud of it, calling it the “Foster family mark.” It was a strange, unique characteristic that ran in the male line.
Her legs gave out. The antiseptic room tilted, and Catherine held on to the edge of the changing table to keep from falling. Thoughts that were broken and scary raced through her mind, but they wouldn’t come together to make a clear picture. This situation can’t be real. It’s not possible. A coincidence. It can’t be.
“Mom?””
Khloe turned because her voice was weak, thin, and tattered. Her daughter was lying on the hospital bed with her back to the wall and her face hidden. She hadn’t glanced at the baby since the day he was born. “Can I not hold him?” she had inquired before. “I’m just so tired.”
Catherine tripped and fell onto the bed next to her, her body feeling numb and out of touch. Khloe looked completely worn out, but it wasn’t just because she had just given birth. Her eyes radiated a deep, soul-crushing pain that defied mere description.
“Khloe, it’s OK. You performed a fantastic job. “You made it through,” Catherine said, pushing the words out.
“Forgive me, Mom,” Khloe said back, as tears finally fell from her pale cheeks. “I couldn’t tell you.” I wanted to, but I couldn’t. “You wouldn’t have believed me.” Her voice shook, and she sounded like she was about to cry.
“Sweetie, what are you talking about?” Catherine stroked her daughter’s wet hair, even though she was already feeling a wave of fear rising inside her. She was starting to understand, to put the pieces together, and to see the shape of the monster that her daughter couldn’t identify.
“I told you it was just a fling with Patrick from school.” But that’s not true, Mom. “It’s not true,” Khloe cried, hiding her face in her hands. “I was scared you would think I wanted it… scared you wouldn’t believe me and would pick him.”
Catherine’s mind was flooded with recollections from the past few years, little things that now sounded like sirens. Khloe jumped every time the front door lock turned. Khloe stays away from Rick while she’s home alone. Khloe would hide herself in her room if he came home intoxicated and happy after a night out with his pals.
“Mom, I would rather not have this baby,” Khloe said in a tearful voice. “But I realized I was pregnant too late.” And he promised me that if I informed anyone, he would take care of you. He said he had buddies who could make your body disappear so that no one would ever discover it.
The memories hit her like an avalanche, engulfing Catherine in a heavy weight of shame and confusion. Rick often asked Catherine, seemingly indifferent, about what time Khloe would return from her friend’s house. How he would give her a special cup of herbal tea before bed that let her sleep so soundly that even loud noises couldn’t wake her up. How he had made Catherine go visit her sick mother for the weekend last month, leaving them alone in the house. Honey, it will be excellent for you to get away. I will take care of Khloe.
“Something was put in my tea,” Khloe muttered, finally looking at her mother. Her eyes hurt like they were cut open. “I’d wake up and know something had happened, but I couldn’t remember what it was.” I believed I was losing my mind.
Catherine got up, shaking so hard that she could scarcely stand. She stumbled toward the door, a silent cry stuck in her breast. Linda tried to stop her by hurriedly saying that she needed to act right away and call the investigator, but the words were just a meaningless buzz. Her ears were ringing, and red circles were moving in front of her eyes.
When she got to the hospital, she fell by the bushes next to the parking lot. Her stomach twisted in a painful spasm, and she threw up on the well-kept mulch. Another wave of retching racked her body, but this time it wasn’t because she was sick; it was because of the horrible nightmare that had been going on in her house. In their house. Rick, her spouse of five years, the man she had trusted with her daughter, the man who helped Khloe with her academics, bought her thoughtful gifts, and acted like a caring, doting stepfather, had actually been abusing her child. He threatened her life to protect his secret.
Catherine wiped her mouth with a shaking hand and attempted to breathe. She had to do something. Rick was at home waiting for her with flowers and champagne. He was eager to celebrate the birth of a grandson. His son was actually his grandchild.
She pulled out her phone, but her fingers shook so much that the screen was difficult to see. She couldn’t stop thinking about one thing: how much she hated herself. How could I not have seen it? How could I not have seen that? She had seen nothing while her daughter was in the room next to hers.
Linda left the hospital, and her sensible shoes made quiet sounds on the pavement. She walked up to Catherine with a calm, professional look on her face that hid a lot of human emotion.
The midwife replied firmly, “Catherine, you can’t be alone right now.” “And you can’t go home to that man.” Her voice was steady, like a lifeline in Catherine’s rising panic. “I’ve never seen anything like these conditions in forty years of employment. But I know for sure that you need to do something right away.
Catherine muttered, “He’ll hurt us,” her voice was rough and hoarse. “If he finds out we know, he’ll do what he said he would.” Khloe was right to be scared. She peered up at the bright windows of the maternity unit. “I had no idea what my girl was going through for three years.”
This knowledge eventually made her determination stronger. They have to do the right thing soon.
Linda put a hand on her shoulder to soothe her. “I have a contact. A decent man who is a detective and has three daughters. He’ll show you how to do everything the right way.
Catherine nodded, unsure of whether she could trust her own words. There was a struggle going on inside her between despair and a white-hot, protective hatred. She was angry with Rick for what he had done to Khloe and with herself for not being able to protect her daughter.
Catherine sat in her car in the hospital parking lot for more than two hours. The keys were heavy in her lap. Her hands would start to shake again every time she thought about going into the home and seeing Rick’s beaming face. A hospital security guy rapped on her window after the sun had gone down and the asphalt was covered in dark, scary shadows. An old man with a pleasant, wrinkled face leaned against the glass.
“Are you all right, miss? “You’ve been sitting here for a long time,” he stated with real worry.
Catherine slid down the window and tried to grin, but it came out as a sad grimace. “Thanks, I’m fine.” Just… really exhausted.
The guard nodded, as if he understood. “I also have grandchildren. I understand how challenging it may be. But you have to go home now. Your family is waiting. Family games
He was correct. Rick was undoubtedly already growing uneasy and suspicious. Catherine turned on the automobile. It felt like a nightmare to drive home for a short time. She stopped at a lot of traffic lights that had already turned green, not caring about the horns of other cars. How could she talk to him now that she knew what she knew?
She could see the bright lights in the windows as she got closer to the house. He was at home. Waiting.
She parked the car and sat there for a minute, taking deep, trembling breaths. She had to behave normally. Until she knew what to do next, at least.
As soon as she put her key in the lock, the door swung open. Rick stood in the hallway, clutching a large bouquet of red roses and a chilled bottle of champagne. He had a big, beaming smile on his face, and his eyes shone with a happiness that made Catherine’s stomach turn to ice.
“Here you are! How is our baby? Did everything go well? How is Khloe doing?” He looked like the perfect, proud family man, ready to celebrate the birth of his grandson.”
Catherine said, “Everything’s fine,” trying to hide the shake in her voice. She had to say the words, and each one felt like a betrayal. “He’s a healthy kid.” “Khloe’s tired, but that’s normal.” She didn’t look him in the eye and fumbled with her jacket, her hands quivering.
Rick, thankfully, didn’t appear to care. He was overly thrilled at the news. “I’ve already got the champagne and flowers ready for our new mommy,” he said, putting his arm around her shoulders. Catherine had to fight hard to keep herself from pulling away in disgust. “We’ll travel to the hospital tomorrow morning to congratulate Khloe in person. We might get a lovely crib or stroller. What do you think?”
“I need to take a shower.” Catherine responded, “I’m exhausted,” and then she pulled away from him and went to the bathroom. “Let’s talk about everything tomorrow.” Today, I just can’t.
Rick looked at her with a confused face, but he didn’t push.
Catherine locked the door to the bathroom and turned on the shower all the way to drown out any noise. She was shaking as she called her sister. Wendy picked up on the first ring.
“Hey Catherine, how are things? Did our Khloe have her baby yet? Her sister’s voice was full of joy and excitement.
Catherine couldn’t keep it in any longer. “Wendy, I’m in a lot of trouble. She cried, “I don’t know what to do,” as tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t get the words out.
Her sister’s voice changed right away. “Catherine, what happened? Is the baby sick? With Khloe?”
Catherine muttered, “The baby… he has a birthmark just like Rick’s,” afraid he could hear her through the door. “Just like that.” The midwife told us to call the police.
Wendy didn’t say anything for a long time. “Oh my God, Catherine. Are you kidding?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice shaking with fear. “I’m at home with him now.” He brought me roses and champagne. He wants to go to the hospital tomorrow to “congratulate” Khloe.
Someone knocked on the bathroom door. “Catherine? It’s been thirty minutes since you went in. Who are you talking to? Rick’s voice sounded annoyed when he said, “Come on, let’s have dinner and celebrate.”
“I’ll be out in a minute!” Just getting clean! Catherine yelled, “Cover the phone with your hand.”
Her sister spoke in a quiet, desperate voice. “Catherine, you can’t stay there. Come to me right now. Say I’m sick, anything.
Catherine said, “I can’t.” “He’ll have doubts.” Khloe stated he informed her that if she told anyone, he would kill her.
The knock happened again, this time harder and more forceful. “Catherine, can you hear me?” Let me in! You’re behaving insanely! Catherine hadn’t heard the sharp, menacing notes in Rick’s voice before, or maybe she just didn’t want to hear them.
“I have to go,” she said softly into the phone. “Wendy, call the police if I don’t call you by morning.”
She hung up before her sister could say anything. Rick was standing on the other side of the door when she opened it, and his face was dark with suspicion.
“What’s the deal with the show?” And who were you talking to?”
“It was Wendy.” Catherine tried to explain, “I was telling her about the birth,” but he wouldn’t let her through.
“Why are your eyes so red?” And why did it take you three hours to get back from the hospital?” He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. “I looked at the time you left.” The neighbor saw you in the parking lot.
Catherine said, “I was just upset,” and she made sure her voice stayed calm. “It’s difficult to see your daughter in pain.”
He gave her a dubious look for a few more seconds before moving to the side. Dinner was eaten in a tense, quiet room. Catherine pretended to be asleep by lying still, but her thoughts were wide awake. He discreetly got up and exited the bedroom at midnight. She heard him moving around the apartment, and then she heard the faint sound of a phone being dialed.
“It’s me,” he murmured softly into the phone, yet in the calm of the night, every syllable could be heard. “Yes, she had a baby today, but Catherine is acting strange. I don’t know.” “Maybe the doctor told her something, or maybe she figured it out on her own.” His voice got lower and more threatening. “Don’t forget what we agreed on.” He spoke first to her, then to the girl. “Leave no traces.”
Catherine’s heart raced. She didn’t have any more time. Rick was aware. And he really did threaten.
Catherine woke up in the morning to the sound of the front door closing. Rick had gone to work without saying anything. She lay there for a few minutes, listening to how quiet the apartment was, and then she moved with a sense of urgency. There wasn’t much time. She had to look for proof while he was away.
She started with his desk, going through papers and notes. Nothing. She looked under the mattress and on the nightstands in the bedroom. His work jacket, the one he wore home yesterday, was hanging in the closet. Catherine put her hands in her pockets and felt something little and firm. A USB drive. A black flash drive that looks normal and has no identifying markers.
She entered it on the computer with shaky hands. There were a few video files on the screen, and the only thing that showed up were dates from the last three months. The date on the first file was in February. Catherine put her hand over her mouth to keep from screaming when the video started. A secret camera videotaped Khloe’s bedroom and put it on the screen. Her daughter was asleep in a way that wasn’t normal. Then Rick came into the picture.
Catherine had to run to the bathroom and throw up until her stomach was empty after what happened next. She got it now. He had been putting sleeping tablets in her tea and photographing the attacks. This was his proof, his prize.
She went back to the computer and rapidly copied all the files onto a different flash drive that she located in a drawer. She put the original back in his coat pocket. Rick shouldn’t think she found anything. She put her copy deep inside her makeup bag. There was no dispute about this proof.
The phone rang. Rick was the one.
He stated, “I’m leaving work early today,” without saying hello. His voice was tense with a strange intensity. “We have to go get Khloe from the hospital.” “Today.”
“But she needs to stay there for a few more days,” Catherine said, trying to keep her voice steady. “The doctor said—”
Rick said, “Doctors say many things.” ” And then they start talking when they shouldn’t. I just think it would be better for Khloe to be at home with us. “There’s too much talk in hospitals.”
The phone call was over. Catherine realized she didn’t have much time. Rick thought he could take charge of the situation and get Khloe out of the hospital and back home with him. Back in charge.
Catherine got ready and ran to the hospital to warn Linda and get to Khloe before Rick could get there. There were many people in the maternity ward. Linda was in the nurse’s office when she found her.
“I have proof,” Catherine remarked as she took the flash drive out of her beauty bag. “Movies. He gave her sleeping medication and filmed everything.
Linda’s face, which was already pale, turned to chalk. “Oh my God.” So I was correct.
“He’ll be here to pick up Khloe today,” Catherine said hurriedly. “He says it’s important.” I guess he thinks we know. We have to do something right away.
Linda got up and locked the door to the office. “Okay. I’ll call my pal who is an investigator. You go to Khloe.” Be careful when you warn her.”
Catherine saw Khloe lying alone in her room and looking out the window. She muttered, “Mom,” when she spotted her. “Do you hate me now?””
“I don’t hate you, my sunshine.” Catherine took her daughter’s hand and said, “I hate myself for not being able to protect you.” “But now we’ll make everything right. “I have proof of what he did, and we’re going to the police.”
Khloe sat up quickly, her eyes wide with fear. “Mom, no! He’ll kill us both! You don’t get it!”
At that moment, the corridor was filled with quick footfall and a loud voice that seemed familiar. Rick and a nurse were fighting. “I’m her stepdad! I am entitled to go!”
When Khloe heard his voice, she started to shake. “Mom, he’s here.” I can’t see him. Please don’t let him in!”
She tried to hide under the cover, but the door sprang open. Rick walked in with a bunch of flowers and a big smile, but his smile turned into a frown when he saw how Khloe reacted. His daughter, the victim, started screaming in a primal, scared way, twisting around in bed and pushing the air away as if she were fighting off an unseen adversary.
“No! Get him out of here! Don’t allow him to get close to me!”
“Khloe, what’s wrong with you?” Rick said, seeming to be surprised. “It’s me, Rick!””
He tried to get closer, but the girl yelled even louder. Despite the rush of nurses, Linda was the boss. She walked into the room, looked at Rick, then at Khloe, who was crying violently, and her face hardened.
She stated forcefully, “You need to go.” “You’re making the patient scared.”
“What a bunch of nonsense!” I’m her father by marriage! Rick tried to get past the midwife.
Linda’s voice was like steel when she said, “You have no rights.” She took a picture out of her pocket. It was a close-up of the baby’s hand, and the crescent-shaped birthmark was very apparent and incriminating. “Especially since I know what I know.”
Rick gazed at it, and his face became pale. “How did you get this?” he said in a low voice.
Linda stated in a calm voice, “It’s a picture of your son’s newborn hand.” “That child is the one your stepdaughter had after you hurt her.”
Rick lunged, and his façade of politeness fell apart. He grabbed Linda by the neck. “Shut up, you old fool! You don’t know anything!” His eyes were wild with anger and fear. ” “If you tell anyone, I’ll kill you and your whole family!””
“Help! Help! Catherine yelled, and her voice echoed down the hall.
Medical professionals and security officers ran into the room. They had to get Rick away from Linda because he was still choking her, but he kept yelling. “It’s all a lie!” Khloe hit on me! Like many women, she’s bad. ”
Linda sat in a chair and rubbed the red scratches on her throat as they pulled him away. “Now we have people who saw him make threats,” she stated in a raspy voice. “That and the videos will be enough.”
A middle-aged man in plain clothes came up to Catherine an hour later. He said, “My name is Oliver Brooks.”” Police in the area. Linda told me what was going on.
Catherine shuddered when she heard Oliver Brooks’ name. “You’re Oliver Brooks?” “Are you the person who was friends with Anthony, my first husband? ”
The cop grinned sadly. “Yes, that’s me.” I remember your wedding, the birth of Khloe, and then his death. “I never thought I’d see you again like this.” The fact that they had been through the same things together gave her some comfort, as it indicated that she wasn’t alone.
Catherine gave him the flash disk. “Oliver, I have proof.” He made movies.
Oliver took the flash drive and gently put it in his pocket. “Catherine, I know this is challenging for you, but we really need these recordings.” He listened as she told him about Rick’s threatening phone call from the night before.
He frowned. “We’ll keep you safe.” You can’t go home right now.
Catherine sat with Khloe while Oliver went to their house to retrieve important belongings. Her daughter’s eyes showed optimism for the first time in a long time.
The day after that, a woman investigator came to meet Khloe. She listened to the whole narrative without getting bored. Khloe said in a quiet, steady voice, “It all started when I turned seventeen.” “He said there was a special bond between us… that I understood him better than Mom did.” When she discussed the drugged tea and the threats to her mother’s life, Catherine’s heart ached all over again.
Oliver called that night. Rick had been let go on bond while the accusations were being filed. He went home to find their wardrobes empty and a note from Oliver on the kitchen table that said, “I know everything.” Before he rushed away in his car, neighbors said they heard him cursing and shattering dishes.
Oliver had added, “People like him start making mistakes when they find out they’ve been caught.” “And we need his mistakes.”
They realized their mistake after midnight. Someone started banging on the door to Wendy’s flat. “Catherine, come out! “I can see you in there! “Rick did it.”
“You are my wife!” My daughter is Khloe! You are my woman, and no one is entitled to take you away from me!” Madness was clear in his voice as he tried to break down the door. “”Chloe, a bad girl, came on to me! And now you want to put the blame on me!”
In the distance, sirens were wailing. Rick was still trying to break down the door with his shoulder when the police got there. “It’s all a lie!” As they took him away in handcuffs, he cried, ”
“Now he definitely won’t get out,” Oliver muttered tiredly as Rick was brought away. “Threats, trying to break in, and resisting arrest,” along with the footage and Khloe’s story. That will be plenty.”
The trial took place in a small, nervous courtroom. Catherine sat in the first seat next to Khloe, who was holding her three-month-old boy, a silent witness to the atrocity.
Rick’s lawyer tried to make Khloe look terrible by saying she was a manipulative young woman. But the prosecutor was cautious. The video recordings were undeniable proof. Several jurors turned away in disgust as pieces were presented. The professional investigation showed that Khloe had many potent sedatives in her system. Linda discussed the birthmark, which was a bizarre but important part of the story.
Finally, Khloe got to speak. Her voice shook, but she told the truth about three years of fear and abuse, ending with her finding the hidden camera. She continued, “He was happy when I got pregnant,” and tears filled her eyes. He said, “Now we have a secret that will last forever.”
Rick stepped up, ready to fight when it was his turn. “I didn’t do it.” Chloe wanted it. The child is proof that we were together.
His statements made others in the courtroom furious.
The jury came back after two hours. The foreman said, “We find Rick Foster guilty.” “On all counts.”
The judge gave the sentence. “The court sentences Rick Foster to fifteen years in a maximum-security prison because the crime was so bad, there were aggravating factors, and he showed no remorse.”
Rick turned pale and staggered. He passed out when the guards got close.
For the first time in a long time, Khloe beamed a real, joyful smile. “Is it over now, Mom?””
“Yes, sweetheart,” Catherine murmured as she hugged her daughter and grandson close. “It’s done now.”
Six months later, Catherine finished the papers to adopt her grandson. She gave him the last name Miller, which was her previous husband’s last name. She instructed the social worker, “Let the boy carry the name of a good man.” Khloe went to college to become a teacher in an elementary school. She said, “I want to keep kids safe.” “I want them to feel safe, like I never did.”
They relocated to a new place across town. Catherine, Khloe, and little Alex Miller would all sit on the balcony together in the evenings. One night, Khloe took up her son and said softly, “My boy.” You are a good boy.
Those were the first words of pure, unburdened love she had ever said to her child. And Catherine was sure, with a feeling that flooded her heart, that her daughter was getting better. They were all starting to get better.