Chapter 5 - The Place With No Visitors
The next morning, Rebecca spread documents across my kitchen table while June watched cartoons with the volume barely audible. Rebecca had found Wren Harbor's website: a private residential program that advertised intensive behavioral assessment for children.
"They take referrals from parents and some agencies," she said. "That's not proof anyone accepted June. But the paperwork matters."
I called the number on the receipt. A woman answered with practiced cheer. I asked if they had a file for June Ellis.
"I can't discuss a minor's records," she said.
"I'm her father. I didn't authorize any referral."
There was a pause. A keyboard clicked. "Sir, you need to speak with our director."
The director came on and would say only that the service had received preliminary information from a prospective guardian. I told her no placement was authorized, asked for preservation of records, and referred further contact to my lawyer. Ten minutes later, the facility emailed confirmation that June would not be admitted and that an internal review had begun.
"That's something," Rebecca said. "Now we find out who sent them the referral."
My phone buzzed with a voicemail from Celia. Her voice sounded smooth, almost tender.
"Grant, you're scaring people. June has always been difficult. We were getting her help. Call me before you ruin the family."
June walked into the kitchen in time to hear the final sentence. Her eyes filled.
"I'm not difficult," she whispered.
I knelt until my face was level with hers. "No. You're a little girl who needed adults to protect her. That's their job."
She wrapped her arms around my shoulders.
May you like
Then Rebecca's laptop chimed. She'd received a response to the preservation request from our wedding photographer. He had footage taken an hour before the ceremony: Celia and Tessa standing beside the staircase, rehearsing a conversation.
And in that recording, Celia said, "Make sure Grant looks like the one losing control."
