Chapter 17 - The Hand Victor Offered
Grant could not believe Victor was helping him.
Neither could Victor.
He locked both hands around Grant’s wrist while Dana secured Rosie and shouted for a rope.
Grant looked up, terrified.
“Why?”
Victor’s arms burned.
“Because I’m done becoming what you expect.”
Dana and an agent pulled Grant back onto the path.
He collapsed, sobbing and furious.
Federal agents handcuffed him.
Eli held Rosie against his chest.
The baby stopped crying almost instantly.
Grant watched them.
For one strange moment, his expression softened.
Then Eli looked at him.
“You’re not my dad.”
Grant flinched.
“I am biologically.”
“No.” Eli’s voice stayed steady. “You’re the man who hurt my mom.”
Grant had no answer.
Marcus survived surgery.
He confessed to Elena’s hit-and-run, financial conspiracy, and his role in covering Simon’s treatment scheme.
Simon was arrested two days later at Logan Airport using a passport under another name.
Rebecca Cross was released from guardianship after an emergency hearing.
When she met Rosie, she did not reach for her immediately.
She sat on the floor and cried.
Rosie crawled to her on her own.
Rebecca whispered, “Hi, Rose.”
Eli stood beside her like a guard.
“You’re not taking her away from us.”
Rebecca looked up.
“I wouldn’t.”
Eli’s chin trembled.
“She sleeps better if Nora sings.”
“Then Nora should sing.”
“She hates peas.”
“So do I.”
Rosie slapped Rebecca’s cheek and laughed.
Everyone laughed with her.
Victor did not.
He was watching Rebecca’s face.
Elena had saved her child.
Now Victor had to decide what saving Elena’s children actually meant.
That evening, a social worker arrived.
She carried four folders.
“I’m here to discuss placement.”
Eli’s face went white.
Victor looked at the folders.
“No.”
The social worker raised an eyebrow.
Victor repeated it.
“No one is separating them.”
She sighed. “Mr. Hale, that may not be your decision.”
Victor looked at his wheelchair.
May you like
Then at the four children.
“Then tell me whose decision it is.”
