Chapter 8 - The Missing Birth Certificate
The hospital confirmed both birth certificates had been processed.
Allison received only one.
Eric had collected the second copy using his identification and marriage certificate.
The document alone could not give him custody.
But combined with forged court papers, it could support an attempt to remove a child from the state.
Colonel Hale alerted local authorities, airports, and military installation security.
Allison’s attorney obtained an emergency order preventing either twin from traveling.
But both babies remained beside Allison.
Why had Eric taken the certificate?
Megan found the answer.
Eric still had access to a company aircraft stored at a private airport.
Although his corporate credentials had been revoked, one pilot remained loyal to him.
The aircraft had been fueled.
No destination was listed.
Allison felt panic rise.
Then Megan discovered a passenger message.
Eric expected three travelers.
Eric.
Lorraine.
Dana.
They were not taking a baby.
They were fleeing with financial records stored in a Grant Defense aviation warehouse.
Federal investigators grounded the plane before departure.
Eric was found inside the hangar trying to destroy hard drives.
Lorraine sat aboard the aircraft with a suitcase of cash.
Dana never arrived.
She had sent Eric one final message.
YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN.
Agents detained Eric and Lorraine.
Formal charges had not yet been announced.
Back at the hospital, Allison finally watched both twins sleep without listening for footsteps in the hallway.
Then a nurse entered.
“A woman is requesting to see you.”
“Who?”
“Dana Crowley.”
Colonel Hale stood immediately.
Allison said, “Let her in.”
Dana entered without her white coat, jewelry, or heels.
Her polished confidence was gone.
She carried another flash drive.
“I can prove Eric planned everything.”
Allison did not invite her to sit.
“You were part of everything.”
“I know.”
“You pushed me after surgery.”
Dana lowered her eyes.
“I know.”
“You tried to take my home and children.”
“My father is going to blame all of it on me.”
She placed the drive on the table.
“I need protection.”
Allison stared at her.
“You want me to save you?”
Dana looked toward the newborns.
May you like
“No. I want to help you destroy the man who used both of us.”
👉 Dana arrived begging for protection—but her confession revealed that even her affair with Eric had been part of a larger corporate trap.
