Chapter 16 - THE OLD HOUSE
Lucas’s father’s old house had been empty for four years.
Evelyn refused to sell it, calling it sacred.
Police searched it the next morning.
In the basement, behind a locked cabinet, they found a metal document box.
Inside were passport applications for Sophie that had never been submitted.
A notarized travel consent form with Lucas’s forged signature.
A long-term rental agreement for a house in British Columbia under Denise’s name.
And a letter from Evelyn to Warren.
Once I have the baby across the border, the court fight becomes their problem, not mine.
Lucas had to sit down.
Hannah didn’t speak at all.
Officer Reyes closed the box.
“This is the first evidence that clearly suggests planned custodial interference beyond Arizona.”
Lucas looked at Hannah.
She was staring at the forged consent form.
“I slept in the same house with her,” she whispered. “I handed Sophie to her.”
Lucas moved closer.
“You trusted family.”
“So did you.”
That afternoon, Denise surrendered with an attorney.
She admitted helping Evelyn obtain copies, reserve the Canadian rental, and create false scheduling records.
But she insisted she had backed out once she realized Evelyn intended to remove Sophie permanently.
“Why didn’t you warn us?” Lucas asked through investigators.
Denise’s answer came back in writing.
Because I was afraid of her too.
Evelyn was arrested again, this time on new charges related to forgery and the alleged custodial plan.
Her bond was revoked.
Lucas thought that would finally stop the messages.
It did.
For three days.
Then Hannah received an envelope with no return address.
Inside was a photograph from Lucas and Hannah’s wedding.
Evelyn stood behind them, smiling.
Across Hannah’s face, someone had drawn a black X.
May you like
On the back were six words.
She ruined him. You helped her.
