Nathan continued.
“He told Emily that you were dead.”
“He told her he couldn’t care for her.”
“He told her Carol was going to adopt her.”
Margaret sank into the chair.
“My baby thought I was dead.”
Nathan cried harder.
“Yes.”
Margaret whispered.
“Why didn’t you bring her back?”
Nathan looked at the floor.
“Because by then Dad had built my whole life.”
Margaret stared at him.
“Say it.”
Nathan shook his head.
“Say it.”
“He threatened to cut me off.”
Margaret’s face became empty.
Nathan rushed on.
“I had student loans.”
“I had just gotten married.”
“Sarah was pregnant.”
“I was scared.”
Margaret’s voice turned quiet.
“So you chose money.”
Nathan looked up.
“No.”
“You chose money.”
“Mom.”
“You chose your father’s money over your sister.”
Nathan had no answer.
Rebecca spoke for the first time.
“And the investigators?”
Nathan looked at her.
“What investigators?”
“Don’t.”
Margaret’s voice hardened.
