Page 152 of Everything She Feared

After the call, he listened to the ferry chugging as it slowed for its arrival at the terminal. He got back to his SUV, intent on returning to Seattle.

73

Seattle, Washington

That evening Saralistened to the low rumble of running water as Katie prepared to take a bath.

While Katie was in the bathroom, Sara waited in Katie’s room. Sitting on the bed, Sara touched her trembling hand to her temple, her mind swirling in the wake of the news media, the police investigation, her lawyer.

Just spoke with police and the prosecutor, Rose Aranda had texted her moments ago.No movement to take action. Stay strong.

Sara looked down at Katie’s sketchbook.

It was on her lap, open to the drawing of Anna and Katie. Sara’s heart broke again. She could not deny the truth about her biological mother and father: Magda and Herman. And the mystery of Magda’s prison letter to her mom and dad continued to anguish her.

Why did Magda write to them? Why did Mom keep it secret? I have to know the truth.

Sara’s world was spinning, spiraling with dread that something was coming.

“Done, Mom.”

Sara looked up to Katie, freshly scrubbed, her teeth brushed, hair combed, fragrant with soap, shampoo—and innocence.

We’re not like them. We can’t be like them. She’s just a child.

Sara’s fingers shook ever so slightly as she caressed Katie’s cheek, then moved so Katie could get into her bed.

“I think you should stay home from school tomorrow.”

Hesitating at the tremor in Sara’s voice, Katie nodded.

“I might go to work. Val will come over, or you can stay with her. I have to see Grandma later.”

“Can I see Grandma, too?”

“I need to go by myself, to talk to her about important stuff.”

Sara followed Katie’s gaze to the sketchbook she held in her hand.

“Honey, I need to know what happened with Anna. It’s more important than ever.”

Katie stared at Sara.

“And—” Sara’s voice cracked. “I love you and no matter what you tell me, I will protect you and never let anything happen to you. But I need to know what really happened, while we still have time.”

Sara’s hair slid, curtained over her face. Her fingers shook as she brushed at it. She saw Katie processing her devastation, as if it unnerved her, but Sara pressed on.

“Did Anna give you the necklace on the bus?”

Katie nodded.

“Did she fall taking a selfie?”

“Yes.”

“But you said you had terrible thoughts, scary, bad thoughts?” Sara held up the closed sketchbook. “Horrible thoughts, like with the boy, but worse.”

Katie’s face went blank.

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