Chapter 8 - Diane’s PlanRachel explained the legal problem.
Diane could not simply take the baby.
But if Olivia suffered a severe medical episode, and if Ethan appeared unavailable because of his work schedule, Diane could try to position herself as the responsible relative.
The fake power of attorney.
The fake guardianship preference.
The videos.
The money control.
Each piece alone looked messy.
Together they looked planned.
Olivia listened from her hospital bed.
Then whispered:
“She kept saying I wasn’t ready.”
Ethan looked at her.
“For the baby?”
“For motherhood.”
Diane criticized everything.
How Olivia folded baby clothes.
How she chose diapers.
How often she rested.
How much weight she gained.
How nervous she was.
“She told me good mothers don’t need naps.”
Ethan closed his eyes.
He had heard some of it.
Not all.
He had laughed once when Diane called Olivia “our little princess.”
He thought it was teasing.
Now he heard the blade inside it.
Then Harris called.
The SUV had been found at a storage facility.
Vanessa was there.
She was detained while unloading boxes.
Diane was gone.
Courtney and Madison were with her.
Vanessa cried immediately.
“She said it was ours.”
“What?”
“The jewelry. The money. She said Olivia owed us.”
Harris asked:
“For what?”
“For taking care of her.”
Ethan stared.
They had lived free in his house.
Eaten his food.
Used Olivia’s car.
Spent Olivia’s money.
Then convinced themselves Olivia owed them.
Vanessa gave police the storage-unit key.
Inside were boxes from the Carter house.
Jewelry.
Documents.
Baby supplies.
Then one sealed plastic bin.
Label:
POST-BIRTH.
Inside:
Formula.
Newborn clothes.
A portable crib.
Legal forms.
Airline tickets.
Four tickets to Phoenix.
Departure date:
Three days after Olivia’s due date.
Passenger names:
Diane.
Vanessa.
Courtney.
Madison.
May you like
And a fifth reservation.
INFANT CARTER.
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