Chapter 5 - THE MOTHER THEY CALLED A THIEF
By morning, the gala video was everywhere. A guest had recorded Elisa yelling at Daisy, then Damon kneeling to offer cake. Some viewers praised him. Others asked why a charity serving children required a billionaire to intervene before a child could eat.
The second question hurt more because it was fair.
Damon faced his communications director across his kitchen island. “Don't issue a statement about me being generous. Say we're reviewing the program, and ask anyone with information about Carmen Reyes to contact Jessica.”
“Elisa has already accused the mother of theft on television,” the director said.
“What evidence does she have?”
“None that she shared.”
Sofia Reyes arrived at the hospital carrying an overnight bag and a stuffed rabbit with one floppy ear. Daisy scrambled into her arms.
“Aunt Sofie! I found him. I found Mister Cross.”
Sofia hugged her so tightly Damon looked away. When Daisy went for juice with a nurse, Sofia turned on him.
“Why did it take a little girl at a party to make anyone listen?”
“It shouldn't have.”
“My sister worked sixteen-hour days feeding children. Three weeks ago, she said the foundation's records were being changed. Yesterday, she called and told me she was scared.”
“Do you know where she went?”
Sofia pulled out her phone. Carmen's last voicemail played through a cracked speaker: “If something happens, don't let them say I took money. Look at the deliveries. And don't let Daisy go with—”
The call ended in a squeal of tires.
Sofia was crying now. “The police told me they had no confirmed crime. Carmen is an adult. Adults can disappear.”
Jessica stepped forward. “We'll bring them the financial records.”
Sofia gripped Damon's wrist. “Then tell me why your name is on the order that locked the shelter kitchen.”
She showed him a photograph of a notice bearing the Cross Foundation seal.
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At the bottom was another signature Damon had never written.
