Chapter 6: The Baby in the Photograph
I didn't answer Nia immediately.
I couldn't.
The photograph on my phone showed a newborn whose face was turned slightly toward the camera. One tiny fist rested beside its cheek. A hospital identification phone showed a newborn whose face was turned slightly toward the camera.
One tiny fist rested beside its cheek. A hospital identification band circled the baby's wrist.
There was no name visible.
No hospital logo I could recognize.
Only the date.
June band circled the baby's wrist.
There was no name visible.
No hospital logo I could recognize.
Only the date.
June 14, 2018.
The day Danielle and Renee had stood together outside that brick building.
The day someone had apparently taken a photograph of a baby who might have been connected to my wife's past.
14, 2018.
The day Danielle and Renee had stood together outside that brick building.
The day someone had apparently taken a photograph of a baby who might have been connected to my wife's past.
I locked my phone and set it on the table.
“Sweetheart, I don't know what that picture means yet.””
“DidI locked my phone and set it on the table.
“Sweetheart, I don't know what that picture means yet.””
“Did Mommy have another baby?””
“I don't know.””
Nia stared at me.
“You're supposed to know.””
The accusation was quiet.
It hurt more than shouting would have.
“I know,” I Mommy have another baby?””
“I don't know.””
Nia stared at me.
“You're supposed to know.””
The accusation was quiet.
It hurt more than shouting would have.
“I know,” I said.
“And I'm sorry. I'm going to find out.””
She looked back at her drawing.
“Did you forget about the baby said.
“And I'm sorry. I'm going to find out.””
She looked back at her drawing.
“Did you forget about the baby?””
“No, baby. I didn't know there was a baby.””
She nodded, but she didn't look convinced.
I wanted to tell her that adults sometimes hid things?””
“No, baby. I didn't know there was a baby.””
She nodded, but she didn't look convinced.
I wanted to tell her that adults sometimes hid things for reasons that had nothing to do with children. I wanted to explain that the world was complicated, that grief made memories difficult, and that a photograph wasn't proof of anything.
But she had already heard for reasons that had nothing to do with children. I wanted to explain that the world was complicated, that grief made memories difficult, and that a photograph wasn't proof of anything.
But she had already heard too many explanations from adults who expected her to accept their version of events.
So I gave her the only promise I could keep.
“I won't pretend to know something I don't. And I won't ask you to carry this by yourself.””
She looked at me for a too many explanations from adults who expected her to accept their version of events.
So I gave her the only promise I could keep.
“I won't pretend to know something I don't. And I won't ask you to carry this by yourself.””
She looked at me for a long moment.
Then she reached across the table and took my hand.
“Okay.””
It wasn't forgiveness.
It was an opportunity to earn her trust long moment.
Then she reached across the table and took my hand.
“Okay.””
It wasn't forgiveness.
It was an opportunity to earn her trust again.
I intended to use it.
I called David and forwarded the photograph.
He asked me to preserve the original message, including the sender's number again.
I intended to use it.
I called David and forwarded the photograph.
He asked me to preserve the original message, including the sender's number and timestamp.
“Don't respond to whoever sent it,” he advised.
“We need to establish where it came from before drawing conclusions.””
“Can you and timestamp.
“Don't respond to whoever sent it,” he advised.
“We need to establish where it came from before drawing conclusions.””
“Can you find out whether Danielle had another child?””
“I can review the estate records and the documents she authorized me to access. For medical records, we may find out whether Danielle had another child?””
“I can review the estate records and the documents she authorized me to access. For medical records, we may need additional permissions or legal procedures.””
“Start with everything you have.””
“I will.””
Before we ended the call, I asked about the date.
“June 14, 2018. Does that mean anything to you?””
David need additional permissions or legal procedures.””
“Start with everything you have.””
“I will.””
Before we ended the call, I asked about the date.
“June 14, 2018. Does that mean anything to you?””
David paused.
“It's the date Danielle signed the original trust documents.””
I gripped the edge of the table.
“Are you sure?””
“Yes. I have the signed originals in the paused.
“It's the date Danielle signed the original trust documents.””
I gripped the edge of the table.
“Are you sure?””
“Yes. I have the signed originals in the file.””
I looked at the photograph again.
The same date.
The same day Danielle and Renee appeared together outside a brick building.
The same file.””
I looked at the photograph again.
The same date.
The same day Danielle and Renee appeared together outside a brick building.
The same day someone had photographed a newborn.
“Where were the trust documents signed?””
“At my office. I can verify the appointment records, but I don't recall the details day someone had photographed a newborn.
“Where were the trust documents signed?””
“At my office. I can verify the appointment records, but I don't recall the details without checking.””
“Could the photograph have been taken here in Atlanta?””
“Possibly. I won't guess until we without checking.””
“Could the photograph have been taken here in Atlanta?””
“Possibly. I won't guess until we identify the location.””
I thanked him and hung up.
Tasha entered the kitchen carrying a basket of clean laundry.
She took one look at my face and put identify the location.””
I thanked him and hung up.
Tasha entered the kitchen carrying a basket of clean laundry.
She took one look at my face and put it down.
“What happened?””
I showed her the photograph.
She studied it, then turned the phone slightly to catch the light.
“Marcus, do it down.
“What happened?””
I showed her the photograph.
She studied it, then turned the phone slightly to catch the light.
“Marcus, do you recognize the blanket?””
“No.””
“The bassinet?””
“No.””
She looked at the date.
“June fourteenth.””
I nodded.
you recognize the blanket?””
“No.””
“The bassinet?””
“No.””
She looked at the date.
“June fourteenth.””
I nodded.
“That's the day Danielle signed the trust paperwork.””
Tasha's expression changed.
“You don't think—”
“I don't know what“That's the day Danielle signed the trust paperwork.””
Tasha's expression changed.
“You don't think—”
“I don't know what to think.””
She sat opposite me.
“Then let's start with what you remember. Not what Renee says. Not what the photograph suggests. What do you actually remember about Danielle to think.””
She sat opposite me.
“Then let's start with what you remember. Not what Renee says. Not what the photograph suggests. What do you actually remember about Danielle's last months?””
I closed my eyes.
I remembered the smell of antiseptic in the hospital corridor.
The soft beep of monitors.
Danielle's hand resting in's last months?””
I closed my eyes.
I remembered the smell of antiseptic in the hospital corridor.
The soft beep of monitors.
Danielle's hand resting in mine.
The doctor explaining that her condition had deteriorated faster than anyone expected.
I remembered Nia waiting with Tasha in the family room mine.
The doctor explaining that her condition had deteriorated faster than anyone expected.
I remembered Nia waiting with Tasha in the family room, coloring the same picture over and over.
And I remembered one conversation with Danielle, weeks before her death.
, coloring the same picture over and over.
And I remembered one conversation with Danielle, weeks before her death.
She had asked me to meet her at the hospital during my lunch break.
When I arrived, she was sitting beside the window with a folderShe had asked me to meet her at the hospital during my lunch break.
When I arrived, she was sitting beside the window with a folder on her lap.
“Marcus,” she'd said, “if something happens to me, I need you to promise that Nia will never be made to feel responsible for an adult's decisions.””
I'd on her lap.
“Marcus,” she'd said, “if something happens to me, I need you to promise that Nia will never be made to feel responsible for an adult's decisions.””
I'd squeezed her hand.
“Why would she ever feel responsible?””
“Because children believe what they're told.””
I had assumed she was talking about grief.
I had promised.
Then she'd handed me the folder and asked squeezed her hand.
“Why would she ever feel responsible?””
“Because children believe what they're told.””
I had assumed she was talking about grief.
I had promised.
Then she'd handed me the folder and asked me to keep it safe.
I remembered putting it in my briefcase.
But I couldn't remember what happened to it afterward.
I opened my eyes me to keep it safe.
I remembered putting it in my briefcase.
But I couldn't remember what happened to it afterward.
I opened my eyes.
“There's something I need to check at home.””
Tasha frowned.
“Your office?””
“Yes.””
“You shouldn't go there alone.””
“I won't..
“There's something I need to check at home.””
Tasha frowned.
“Your office?””
“Yes.””
“You shouldn't go there alone.””
“I won't. I'll coordinate with David and the police before I do anything with the documents.””
She nodded.
“Good. And Marcus?””
I looked at her I'll coordinate with David and the police before I do anything with the documents.””
She nodded.
“Good. And Marcus?””
I looked at her.
“Don't let your need to understand everything make you forget the child who's still trying to feel safe.””
I glanced toward the living room.
“Don't let your need to understand everything make you forget the child who's still trying to feel safe.””
I glanced toward the living room.
Nia was sitting on the sofa, drawing quietly.
“I won't.””
That afternoon, David called with an update.
He had reviewed Danielle's.
Nia was sitting on the sofa, drawing quietly.
“I won't.””
That afternoon, David called with an update.
He had reviewed Danielle's estate file and found a record of a consultation on June 14, 2018. The appointment had been scheduled for late morning.
“There was estate file and found a record of a consultation on June 14, 2018. The appointment had been scheduled for late morning.
“There was another person listed as accompanying her,” he said.
“Who?””
“Renee Whitmore.””
I closed my eyes.
“Did you meet with both of them?””
“The appointment notes say Danielle requested a private consultation. another person listed as accompanying her,” he said.
“Who?””
“Renee Whitmore.””
I closed my eyes.
“Did you meet with both of them?””
“The appointment notes say Danielle requested a private consultation. Renee waited in reception for most of the meeting.””
“Did Danielle say why she brought her?””
“No. But the notes indicate Danielle asked about guardianship arrangements and the possibility Renee waited in reception for most of the meeting.””
“Did Danielle say why she brought her?””
“No. But the notes indicate Danielle asked about guardianship arrangements and the possibility of a child receiving funds independently of a surviving parent.””
I leaned against the kitchen counter.
“Was she talking about Nia?””
“The file doesn't specify.””
“What else?””
“There's a notation that Danielle intended to provide additional documents later. of a child receiving funds independently of a surviving parent.””
I leaned against the kitchen counter.
“Was she talking about Nia?””
“The file doesn't specify.””
“What else?””
“There's a notation that Danielle intended to provide additional documents later. Those documents were never added to the file.””
“Did she come back?””
“No.””
I stared out the window.
“What if she intended to give you something Those documents were never added to the file.””
“Did she come back?””
“No.””
I stared out the window.
“What if she intended to give you something and never got the chance?””
“Then we'll need to determine what that was. Marcus, I also found something else. The and never got the chance?””
“Then we'll need to determine what that was. Marcus, I also found something else. The trust account has remained intact, but there was an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a statement from the financial institution last year.””
“By Renee?””
trust account has remained intact, but there was an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a statement from the financial institution last year.””
“By Renee?””
“The request came from an email address associated with her. The institution declined it.””
I rubbed my forehead.
“Why would she keep trying if she knew she“The request came from an email address associated with her. The institution declined it.””
I rubbed my forehead.
“Why would she keep trying if she knew she had no authority?””
“That's what we're trying to establish.””
David paused.
“There's another point. Danielle's final estate documents identify you as the person responsible for Nia's had no authority?””
“That's what we're trying to establish.””
David paused.
“There's another point. Danielle's final estate documents identify you as the person responsible for Nia's care. But they also include a separate instruction about a sealed letter.””
My heart began to pound.
“What instruction?””
“She requested that the letter remain with her care. But they also include a separate instruction about a sealed letter.””
My heart began to pound.
“What instruction?””
“She requested that the letter remain with her personal papers until Nia reached eighteen, unless you and the attorney jointly determined that disclosure was necessary for the child's welfare.””
“Where is personal papers until Nia reached eighteen, unless you and the attorney jointly determined that disclosure was necessary for the child's welfare.””
“Where is it?””
“I haven't found an original sealed letter in the estate inventory. I found a reference to one.””
I gripped the phone.
“So it could it?””
“I haven't found an original sealed letter in the estate inventory. I found a reference to one.””
I gripped the phone.
“So it could be the blue folder.””
“Possibly. We need to inspect the contents properly.””
I thought of the loose floorboard, the folder Renee had hidden, and the be the blue folder.””
“Possibly. We need to inspect the contents properly.””
I thought of the loose floorboard, the folder Renee had hidden, and the letter Nia had been forced to write.
“David, I need you to help me find out whether that baby existed.””
“I'll make the appropriate inquiries.””
“And I need to know why Renee was there.””
“We'll investigate both questions.””
When we hung up, I letter Nia had been forced to write.
“David, I need you to help me find out whether that baby existed.””
“I'll make the appropriate inquiries.””
“And I need to know why Renee was there.””
“We'll investigate both questions.””
When we hung up, I felt the ground shift beneath my understanding of my own marriage.
Renee had not stumbled into Danielle's story by chance.
She had been present when the felt the ground shift beneath my understanding of my own marriage.
Renee had not stumbled into Danielle's story by chance.
She had been present when the trust was created.
She had known about the safeguards.
She had asked questions about changing them.
And she had apparently kept something from me for years.
But one question remained.
Why had trust was created.
She had known about the safeguards.
She had asked questions about changing them.
And she had apparently kept something from me for years.
But one question remained.
Why had she chosen my family?
That evening, I sat beside Nia while she ate dinner.
Tasha had made grilled she chosen my family?
That evening, I sat beside Nia while she ate dinner.
Tasha had made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Nia dipped small pieces of bread into the soup, arranging them in a neat line along the edge of her bowl.
cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Nia dipped small pieces of bread into the soup, arranging them in a neat line along the edge of her bowl.
Halfway through the meal, she looked up.
“Daddy, can I ask you something about the hospital?””
“Of course.””
“When Mommy was sick, didHalfway through the meal, she looked up.
“Daddy, can I ask you something about the hospital?””
“Of course.””
“When Mommy was sick, did she ever ask you to take care of another child?””
I put down my spoon.
“Not that I remember. Why?””
“Because Renee told me Mommy had a baby and gave it away.””
Tasha stopped moving she ever ask you to take care of another child?””
I put down my spoon.
“Not that I remember. Why?””
“Because Renee told me Mommy had a baby and gave it away.””
Tasha stopped moving at the stove.
I kept my eyes on Nia.
“Did Renee tell you when?””
“Last week. She said Mommy was a bad person because at the stove.
I kept my eyes on Nia.
“Did Renee tell you when?””
“Last week. She said Mommy was a bad person because she didn't want the baby.””
My daughter lowered her head.
“She said maybe that's why Mommy got sick.””
I felt a surge of anger so sharp she didn't want the baby.””
My daughter lowered her head.
“She said maybe that's why Mommy got sick.””
I felt a surge of anger so sharp I had to take a slow breath before speaking.
“Your mother's illness was not a punishment. And you are not responsible for what happened to her.””
“ I had to take a slow breath before speaking.
“Your mother's illness was not a punishment. And you are not responsible for what happened to her.””
“Was the baby my brother or sister?””
“I don't know, sweetheart.””
“Could we find out?””
“Yes. If there's a way to find out, we'll do it carefully.””
Nia thought about this.
Was the baby my brother or sister?””
“I don't know, sweetheart.””
“Could we find out?””
“Yes. If there's a way to find out, we'll do it carefully.””
Nia thought about this.
“Would you still love me if Mommy had another baby?””
I moved my chair closer.
“Nothing could change how much I love“Would you still love me if Mommy had another baby?””
I moved my chair closer.
“Nothing could change how much I love you.””
“Even if the baby was more important to Mommy?””
I shook my head.
“Love isn't a contest, Nia. Your mother loving someone you.””
“Even if the baby was more important to Mommy?””
I shook my head.
“Love isn't a contest, Nia. Your mother loving someone else wouldn't make you less loved.””
She stared into her soup.
“Renee said I was selfish because I wanted all the money.””
I reached across the table.
“You were a child else wouldn't make you less loved.””
She stared into her soup.
“Renee said I was selfish because I wanted all the money.””
I reached across the table.
“You were a child being asked to make decisions about something you didn't understand. You don't need to feel guilty for that.””
Nia finally took my hand.
“Okay.””
We finished dinner quietly.
Later, being asked to make decisions about something you didn't understand. You don't need to feel guilty for that.””
Nia finally took my hand.
“Okay.””
We finished dinner quietly.
Later, while Tasha helped her prepare for bed, I returned to the kitchen and opened the message containing the photograph.
The sender's number was unfamiliar.
while Tasha helped her prepare for bed, I returned to the kitchen and opened the message containing the photograph.
The sender's number was unfamiliar.
I searched the text of the message, looking for any detail that might identify its source.
There was nothing.
Then I noticed a second attachment I hadn'tI searched the text of the message, looking for any detail that might identify its source.
There was nothing.
Then I noticed a second attachment I hadn't seen earlier.
A scanned hospital document.
The image was grainy, but the heading was legible.
*NEWBORN DISCHARGE SUMMARY.*
seen earlier.
A scanned hospital document.
The image was grainy, but the heading was legible.
*NEWBORN DISCHARGE SUMMARY.*
The patient's name had been obscured by a black rectangle.
Below it, the date of birth was visible.
June 14, 2018.
The next line contained a field marked *The patient's name had been obscured by a black rectangle.
Below it, the date of birth was visible.
June 14, 2018.
The next line contained a field marked Discharging Parent.
The name was also obscured.
But beneath that, someone had typed a note:
Custody arrangement confirmed with authorized representative.
I zoomed in.
The signatureDischarging Parent.*
The name was also obscured.
But beneath that, someone had typed a note:
Custody arrangement confirmed with authorized representative.
I zoomed in.
The signature beside the note was blurry, but I could make out the first initial.
R.
I forwarded the document to David.
Then I noticed the final beside the note was blurry, but I could make out the first initial.
R.
I forwarded the document to David.
Then I noticed the final attachment.
A photograph of a handwritten note on hospital stationery.
It contained only one sentence.
*If Marcus ever learns what happened, tell him I did it to protect attachment.
A photograph of a handwritten note on hospital stationery.
It contained only one sentence.
If Marcus ever learns what happened, tell him I did it to protect his daughter.
There was no signature.
No date.
Nothing to establish who had written it.
I sat staring at the screen until my phone his daughter.*
There was no signature.
No date.
Nothing to establish who had written it.
I sat staring at the screen until my phone rang.
An unfamiliar woman spoke when I answered.
“Mr. Carter?””
“Yes. Who is this?””
“My name is Elaine Brooks rang.
An unfamiliar woman spoke when I answered.
“Mr. Carter?””
“Yes. Who is this?””
“My name is Elaine Brooks. I used to work in medical records at a hospital in Atlanta.””
I straightened.
“Why are you calling me?””
“Someone sent you a photograph of a. I used to work in medical records at a hospital in Atlanta.””
I straightened.
“Why are you calling me?””
“Someone sent you a photograph of a newborn, didn't they?””
My pulse quickened.
“How do you know that?””
“I recognized the document format. I worked with the records from that newborn, didn't they?””
My pulse quickened.
“How do you know that?””
“I recognized the document format. I worked with the records from that period.””
“Do you know who the baby was?””
“I can't disclose private medical information over the phone. But I can tell you this: the document you received may not mean period.””
“Do you know who the baby was?””
“I can't disclose private medical information over the phone. But I can tell you this: the document you received may not mean what the sender wants you to believe.””
I gripped the phone.
“Then what does it mean?””
Elaine hesitated.
“I believe someone has mixed what the sender wants you to believe.””
I gripped the phone.
“Then what does it mean?””
Elaine hesitated.
“I believe someone has mixed two separate events together. And if you want the truth, you need to find the original discharge record, not rely on two separate events together. And if you want the truth, you need to find the original discharge record, not rely on photographs.””
“Can you help me obtain it?””
“Through the proper channels, yes. But there's something else you should know.””
“What?””
“The name photographs.””
“Can you help me obtain it?””
“Through the proper channels, yes. But there's something else you should know.””
“What?””
“The name Renee Whitmore appears in the records I remember. Not as the child's mother.””
I stood slowly.
“Then in what capacity?””
“As the person who signed the Renee Whitmore appears in the records I remember. Not as the child's mother.””
I stood slowly.
“Then in what capacity?””
“As the person who signed the child out.””
The room went silent.
I heard the refrigerator humming.
A car passed outside.
My own heartbeat sounded impossibly child out.””
The room went silent.
I heard the refrigerator humming.
A car passed outside.
My own heartbeat sounded impossibly loud.
“Who was the child?”” I asked.
“I can't tell you without proper authorization. But I remember the case because there was a dispute about who was loud.
“Who was the child?”” I asked.
“I can't tell you without proper authorization. But I remember the case because there was a dispute about who was permitted to collect the baby.””
“Was Danielle involved?””
Elaine didn't answer immediately.
Then she said, “Mr. Carter, I think you should speak to your attorney before you contact anyone else.””
The call permitted to collect the baby.””
“Was Danielle involved?””
Elaine didn't answer immediately.
Then she said, “Mr. Carter, I think you should speak to your attorney before you contact anyone else.””
The call ended.
I remained standing in the kitchen, staring at the phone.
Renee had signed a newborn out of a hospital.
On the same date Danielle created Nia's trust.
But the woman who had called me had been careful ended.
I remained standing in the kitchen, staring at the phone.
Renee had signed a newborn out of a hospital.
On the same date Danielle created Nia's trust.
But the woman who had called me had been careful about one thing.
She had never said Danielle gave birth to that child.
She had never said the baby belonged to my family.
And she had about one thing.
She had never said Danielle gave birth to that child.
She had never said the baby belonged to my family.
And she had never said the document was authentic.
I needed facts.
Not another frightening possibility.
I called David and told him everything.
He agreed to contact the appropriate parties never said the document was authentic.
I needed facts.
Not another frightening possibility.
I called David and told him everything.
He agreed to contact the appropriate parties and verify the records through lawful channels.
Then I went upstairs to check on Nia.
She was asleep with her stuffed rabbit tucked beneath her chin.
On the bedside table, the photograph and verify the records through lawful channels.
Then I went upstairs to check on Nia.
She was asleep with her stuffed rabbit tucked beneath her chin.
On the bedside table, the photograph of Danielle rested beside her drawing.
I picked up the drawing.
Three figures stood in a row beneath a yellow sun.
Me.
Nia.
Dan of Danielle rested beside her drawing.
I picked up the drawing.
Three figures stood in a row beneath a yellow sun.
Me.
Nia.
Danielle.
There was no fourth figure.
I placed it back exactly where I'd found it.
Then my phone buzzed.
A new message from Renee.
This time, there were no accusations or threats.
ielle.
There was no fourth figure.
I placed it back exactly where I'd found it.
Then my phone buzzed.
A new message from Renee.
This time, there were no accusations or threats.
Only a single sentence.
You need to know that the baby in that photograph wasn't Danielle's.
I stared at the screen.
Another message arrived.
It was mine.
I felt myOnly a single sentence.
You need to know that the baby in that photograph wasn't Danielle's.
I stared at the screen.
Another message arrived.
It was mine.
I felt my knees weaken.
Before I could respond, a third message appeared.
And Danielle helped me give him away.
I read the words again and again.
Then Renee sent one final message.
* knees weaken.
Before I could respond, a third message appeared.
And Danielle helped me give him away.
I read the words again and again.
Then Renee sent one final message.
Ask your attorney to look at the guardianship papers signed on June 14, 2018. You'll understand why Danielle begged me never to tell you.
I lowered the phone.
The baby might not have been Danielle's.
The records might have been genuine.
And Renee might haveAsk your attorney to look at the guardianship papers signed on June 14, 2018. You'll understand why Danielle begged me never to tell you.*
I lowered the phone.
The baby might not have been Danielle's.
The records might have been genuine.
And Renee might have been telling the truth about one part of the story.
But none of that explained why she had hidden the letter, frightened my daughter, or tried to change the terms of Nia been telling the truth about one part of the story.
But none of that explained why she had hidden the letter, frightened my daughter, or tried to change the terms of Nia's inheritance.
I looked toward the sleeping child in the next room.
Whatever Renee had done, whatever Danielle had promised, and whatever secret had been buried in those documents, one thing was certain.
I would not let another adult turn my daughter's life into a bargaining chip's inheritance.
I looked toward the sleeping child in the next room.
Whatever Renee had done, whatever Danielle had promised, and whatever secret had been buried in those documents, one thing was certain.
I would not let another adult turn my daughter's life into a bargaining chip.
Not again.
And when David finally located the guardianship papers, I intended to read every word..
May you like
Not again.
And when David finally located the guardianship papers, I intended to read every word.
