Mark had changed tactics again.
He offered Vanessa temporary work at Carter Medical Transport.
He said it would give him time to determine whether I was emotionally ready for contact.
Vanessa accepted.
Part of her believed him.
Another part wanted access to information that might explain the adoption.
Once inside the company, she discovered irregular billing records.
Then she found references to Briar County Memorial.
She began collecting documents.
When Mark realized she was investigating, he threatened to accuse her of stealing confidential information.
She resigned.
Then she took part-time work at Elm Street Market because she knew I shopped there regularly.
“I planned to introduce myself,” she said.
“I just couldn’t find the courage.”
“Why?”
Tears slid down her face.
“Because what if he’d been right?
What if you didn’t want me?”
I took her hand.
“Vanessa, I wanted you every day of your life.”
She looked down.
