Chapter 12 - The Locked Medical Folder
The safe was opened under federal warrant that evening.
Inside were stacks of cash, forged scholarship applications, and copies of Sarah’s financial records.
Investigators also found a medical folder.
It contained Sarah’s prenatal reports.
Some pages had notes written in Derek’s handwriting.
APPOINTMENT TUESDAY—NO FRANK.
DOCTOR ASKING QUESTIONS.
CONTROL TRANSPORTATION.
Sarah felt nauseated.
Derek had been monitoring her medical care.
At her last appointment, the obstetrician asked whether she felt safe at home.
Sarah said yes.
Derek sat beside her.
His hand rested on her knee.
At the time, she thought it was reassurance.
Now she remembered how his fingers tightened before she answered.
The folder contained a draft letter supposedly written by Sarah.
It claimed pregnancy hormones caused paranoia and false memories.
Her signature appeared at the bottom.
She had never seen it.
Elaine explained what it meant.
Derek was preparing a defense.
If Sarah reported abuse, he would portray her as mentally unstable.
The letter could also support an attempt to control medical decisions after delivery.
Frank’s jaw tightened.
Derek said:
“I was protecting the baby.”
Sarah turned toward him.
May you like
“From whom?”
He had no answer that did not expose him.
