Chapter 4 - THE FIRST DAUGHTER
Lily’s file revealed the structure of the Carter operation.
Jason found vulnerable women through grief groups, recovery centers, and financial-assistance programs.
His aunt controlled medical records.
His mother handled the children.
His friends filmed selected moments to create false evidence that the women were unstable, violent, or voluntarily leaving.
Pregnancies became commodities.
Some babies entered illegal adoptions.
Others remained with Margaret.
Lily had a rare blood disorder.
My current baby was likely conceived as a genetic match.
Dr. Reed ordered testing.
The result showed my unborn daughter could provide compatible cord blood after birth.
That procedure could be safe if handled ethically.
Jason’s family did not intend to ask.
They planned to take the baby, use whatever biological material Lily needed, then erase me through the prepared death certificate.
The starvation weakened me enough to make a fatal delivery appear natural.
Rachel testified that Jason repeatedly described himself as a widower before I was dead.
Rebecca Sloan, a federal prosecutor, joined the investigation.
She obtained warrants for Carter properties across Texas.
The first search found no children.
Margaret had moved Lily.
But investigators recovered a voice recording made by Sarah Collins before she disappeared.
“He says the box teaches obedience,” Sarah whispered. “Margaret says mothers sign faster when they are hungry.”
Sarah had been pregnant too.
Her son was listed in the ledger as transferred.
Megan and Claire had also delivered children.
Their current locations remained unknown.
The case expanded from one shed to a trafficking network.
Then Jason requested to speak with me.
I refused.
He sent a message through his attorney.
LILY HAS THREE DAYS OF MEDICATION LEFT.
He knew where Margaret had taken her.
His price was freedom.
Rebecca refused.
I wanted to refuse too.
But Lily was my daughter.
Jason understood exactly where to apply pressure.
Dr. Reed reviewed Lily’s medical files and found the medication formula could be recreated.
One component was hidden behind a password.
Rachel remembered Jason using the phrase “the first funeral” while speaking to his friends.
Ortiz entered it.
The files opened.
Lily’s treatment protocol appeared.
So did a video recorded the night before my rescue.
Margaret looked into the camera and said, “If Rachel finds the note, move Lily to the second farm.”
Jason had known a note might escape.
May you like
He had invited Rachel as part of a test.
The rescue itself may have been anticipated.
