Marian Vale
Chapter 13 - Marian Vale
The child advocacy center had murals on the walls and toys no child wanted to touch.
Lily wore her denim jacket because she called it her clue jacket.
Noah came too, holding Mason’s hand.
Dr. Marian Vale arrived at 8:52 in a cream blazer and soft shoes.
She smiled like a kindergarten teacher.
“Mrs. Lawson, I understand this is emotional.”
Rachel said, “My daughter’s name is Lily.”
Marian blinked.
“I’m aware.”
“Then use it.”
Ruth stepped in. “My objection to your involvement is already filed.”
Marian’s smile stayed smooth.
“Until the court says otherwise, we follow procedure.”
Dolly muttered, “Procedure needs a bath.”
Marian looked at Mason.
“And you are?”
“Mason Cole.”
“Ah.”
Recognition again.
“You are not a legal party,” Marian said.
“No.”
“Then you may wait outside.”
Lily grabbed Mason’s vest.
Noah spoke before anyone else.
“My mom trusted him.”
The room went quiet.
For half a second, Marian’s face showed irritation.
Then Captain Hayes walked in with a stay order. The interview was suspended pending review of conflicts.
Marian’s warmth disappeared.
“This is highly irregular.”
Hayes said, “So is your husband writing evaluations for women targeted by Preston Vail.”
Marian turned to leave.
As she passed Mason, she whispered, “Sarah was never going to win.”
Mason froze.
“What did you say?” Hayes asked.
Marian smiled.
“I said this process helps no one.”
But Mason had heard.
So had Noah.
That night, Evelyn asked to meet Rachel. Hayes supervised. Ruth warned Rachel not to expect peace from a guilty woman.
Evelyn looked smaller without the peach dress.
“I’m not here to forgive you,” Rachel said.
“I know,” Evelyn whispered. “I’m here to tell you where Preston kept the real ledger.”
“Where?”
“With someone he trusted more than family.”
“Who?”
“His first wife.”
Ruth frowned. “Preston is divorced.”
“Not that wife,” Evelyn said. “The one he made disappear.”
Her name was Caroline Vail.
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She had been hiding for twelve years at a dog rescue outside Ash Creek.
And she had been waiting for someone to ask about the girls.
