Chapter 6 - THE RECORDING IN THE WALL
Rebecca obtained an emergency federal order to search Dr. Vale’s storage facility.
The files had been removed.
But investigators found a hidden audio recorder inside the drywall.
It contained years of sessions.
Helen’s voice appeared repeatedly.
She instructed Dr. Vale to alter records, increase sedatives, and describe bruises as self-inflicted.
Then Luke’s voice appeared.
“I don’t think Natalie will survive another dose.”
Helen answered, “Then identify the body and collect the policy.”
The recording destroyed Luke’s claim that he was only following orders.
He had known the risk.
He had accepted it.
The most important recording involved Emma.
A child’s voice said, “I remember a lady singing to me.”
Helen responded, “That woman abandoned you.”
“No. She was crying.”
“You imagined it.”
The child began sobbing.
Dr. Vale asked if he should increase the dosage.
Helen said yes.
My knees weakened.
I remembered singing while holding a newborn in the lake house.
“You Are My Sunshine.”
The memory came with the smell of rain and disinfectant.
Emma had remembered me.
So Helen medicated the memory away.
Ortiz tracked Claire’s vehicle to the rural retreat.
Federal agents prepared to enter without the local judge’s approval.
Before they moved, Robert called Ethan.
He offered Emma in exchange for the hidden recording.
Robert sounded frightened.
“Helen has lost control.”
“Where is the child?” Ethan asked.
“Safe for now.”
“For now?”
Robert lowered his voice.
“She wants to repeat what she did to Natalie.”
The line disconnected.
Seconds later, Ortiz received a photograph.
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Emma sat at a wooden table.
A ceramic mug stood in front of her.
