Chapter 7 - The Man Who Signed the Death
Adrian Vale emerged from the lead vehicle with his hands visible and told Torres he wanted to surrender.
He looked older than his courthouse photograph, with hollow cheeks and the exhausted expression of someone who no longer believed his own excuses.
He insisted the other men were private security contractors hired to protect him.
Torres ordered everyone to remain apart until backup arrived.
Vale confessed that Whitcomb had paid him to fabricate the infant's death and authorize a transfer out of the hospital.
He claimed he did not know where the child had been taken until years later.
When he asked to withdraw his signature, someone threatened to expose another fraud that would send him back to prison.
Nathan demanded to know why Sarah had eventually been given a child she recognized as her own.
Vale said Victoria Kane was supposed to control the child until a trust deadline passed.
'But Sarah kept asking questions,' Vale admitted.
'And her questions made people nervous.'
Torres recorded his statement with counsel and safeguarding procedures explained.
Back at the hospital, Elena called Nathan with good news.
Ethan's breathing had improved, and the pediatric team was cautiously optimistic about both twins.
Nathan closed his eyes and let himself feel relief for one precious moment.
Then Vale looked at the bracelet on Nathan's wrist, where he had fastened it for safekeeping.
His face drained of color.
'Where did you get that?'
Nathan told him Sarah had sent it.
Vale whispered, 'Then Sarah got into the archive.'
He explained that the silver clasp hid not merely a note but a tiny impression of a numbered security seal.
One document in Whitcomb's vault could unravel everything.
Vale hesitated before speaking its title.
'The Guardian Transfer Agreement.'
May you like
Then he added, 'Your name is on it.'
