Chapter 16 - Rosa and the Sealed Envelope
Nathan stared at the photograph of the housekeeper who had been part of his family for two decades.
Rosa admitted visiting Whitcomb's office but denied betraying Sarah.
Five years earlier, she had delivered an envelope containing copies of Nathan's travel itinerary because Whitcomb claimed Sarah wanted to surprise him during a trip.
The lawyer used the information to intercept Sarah before she reached the hotel.
Rosa learned the truth only after Sarah appeared at the mansion years later, crying and afraid.
She had lived with her guilt ever since.
Nathan wanted to believe her, but trust no longer came easily.
Grace reviewed financial records and confirmed Rosa had received no unexplained payments.
More importantly, Rosa had kept a handwritten journal describing her attempts to contact Sarah after the rainy-day visit.
Those entries aligned with telephone records and messages Whitcomb had suppressed.
Nathan apologized for doubting her without evidence.
Rosa shook her head.
'Don't apologize until Lily is home.'
The information from Pike led investigators to a private airstrip hidden beyond the orchard road.
A small plane had been reserved under a false company name.
Passenger paperwork listed a girl under the age of six.
Marcus intended to leave Washington.
Sarah begged to accompany the officers, but doctors advised against travel because of her injuries.
She remained at the hospital beside the twins while Nathan joined Torres at the command point.
At 11:43 p.m. a black SUV entered the airstrip.
Its rear window was covered.
Nathan saw Marcus get out carrying a bag.
Then the passenger door opened, and a small blond girl stepped into the cold.
Lily was alive.
She looked toward the trees as though she knew someone was watching.
Before anyone could move, a second vehicle arrived.
Douglas Whitcomb climbed out and handed Marcus a black folder.
May you like
The folder bore the seal of the Carter Family Trust.
