Chapter 8 - Linda's Bargain
David Mercer finally confessed.
He had moved the embryo to another licensed storage facility using forged authorization.
He claimed Linda ordered him to do it because she feared the original clinic would destroy old materials.
But Linda's purpose was more disturbing.
She wanted control.
Control over Ethan.
Control over Rebecca.
Control over the secret of their biological origins.
For decades, Linda had built her identity around being the person everyone needed.
When Ethan married me, that control weakened.
When she suspected I was pregnant, she panicked.
A grandchild meant Ethan would build a family centered somewhere other than around her.
The surveillance began.
She followed my appointments.
She obtained false testing.
She convinced herself I was lying.
And at the birthday party, that obsession became violence.
Ethan listened to the detective explain everything.
Then he asked one question.
“Did my mother plan to hurt Claire?”
The detective answered carefully.
“We can prove preparation for confrontation and surveillance. Intent regarding the physical assault will be for prosecutors to establish from the evidence.”
That night Ethan received a voicemail from an unknown number.
It was Linda.
“Ethan, sweetheart, you don't understand what Claire has done to this family.”
He deleted it without finishing.
Then another voicemail arrived.
May you like
This time Linda said:
“If you want to know who your real father is, come see me before the police find the blue box.”
