Page 50 of The Forsaken
“Gabe, I love that you want to protect me, but this is something I must do on my own. I promise you I will remain cool, calm, and detached. Like I said, I’m done allowing Sylvia to hurt me.”
“All right. But ring me, should you need moral support.”
“You know I will.”
THIRTY
Quinn wasn’t as calm as she’d hoped to be when she finally rang Sylvia later that morning. Her resolution not to allow Sylvia to hurt her anymore made her feel stronger, but the very topic she was about to broach made her heart beat faster. Could Reverend Seaton have arrived at the conclusion that Quinn and Quentin were twins without sufficient evidence? Surely, babies were abandoned every day, and it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility that they’d be wrapped in a blanket with some sort of message from the mother. The case worker might have been mistaken about the similarity in handwriting, couldn’t she? Quinn and Sylvia had spoken repeatedly about past events, and not once had Sylvia alluded to a second baby. No, it had to be a mistake and she was condemning Sylvia based on nothing but circumstantial evidence. A part of Quinn wished the conversation with Reverend Seaton had never taken place, but now that she knew about Quentin, she had to find out the truth. Once she had her answer, she’d make a decision about Sylvia.
Quinn tried to sound normal when Sylvia picked up.
“Well, hello there, stranger,” Sylvia said. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m well, thank you. I was wondering if you might like to come for lunch today, Sylvia. It’s been some time since we saw each other.”
“That would be lovely. Can I bring anything?”
Just some truth serum, Quinn thought bitterly. “No, just yourself. Would sandwiches be all right? I’m not much in the mood for cooking.”
“Of course. I’ll bring something for pudding.”
“Let me guess; Rhys has been plying you with baked goods,” Quinn joked.
“Actually, I haven’t seen him recently. But more about that later. I’ll see you around noon?”
“Great.”
Quinn rang off and stared at her phone, thinking. She would conduct her own research, regardless of what Sylvia said. There was no reason to expect Sylvia to be honest with her, and she needed to be sure that she knew the truth of the situation before making any decisions. Quinn found Reverend Seaton’s contact information and called the number.
“Reverend, it’s Quinn Allenby,” she began. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”
“Not at all. Not at all, dear. I’m so glad you called. Please allow me to apologize once again. I was unforgivably tactless yesterday. I do hope you weren’t too upset.”
“I was a bit, but I’m all right now. I’d just like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
“Do you recall the name of the case worker who came to collect me?” Quinn listened to the silence on the other end as Reverend Seaton considered the question.
“It was thirty years ago,” he finally said. “I can’t recall her name, but I know someone who would be able to. My wife, God bless her, has the memory of an elephant. I’ll call her right now and ask. Can I ring you back?”
“Of course. You can even text it to me, if you prefer.”
“I’m afraid I’m not that technologically advanced. I’m still old-school, and prefer to speak to people in person.”
“I’ll wait for your call then.”
Quinn disconnected the call and went to take a shower. After hearing back from Reverend Seaton, she’d go to the shopsand pick up the ingredients for the sandwiches and something to make for dinner. She owed Gabe and Emma a home-cooked meal, and she was in the mood for pasta primavera. It was delicious, and a sneaky way to get Emma to eat her vegetables.
Quinn was toweling her hair dry when her mobile rang. Reverend Seaton.
“That was quick,” she said by way of greeting. “Any luck?”
“If anyone would be able to remember, it’d be my Abigail. The case worker’s name was Hetty Marks. Lovely lady, as I recall. I hope you’ll be able to track her down.”
“Thank you, Reverend. I hope so too. I just have one more question,” Quinn said, wondering if what she was about to ask would make any difference to the outcome.
“Of course.”
