Before I could ask another question, the call ended.
I immediately informed Detective Hayes.
She told me not to call the number back.
Vanessa’s claims would need corroboration.
But one thing was becoming clear.
Adrian hadn’t acted impulsively.
He’d planned to take control of our daughter, our money, and my credibility.
And when I resisted, he intended to make me appear unfit to protect Maya.
Three days later, Maya was discharged from the hospital.
The physicians had documented her injuries and identified evidence of exposure to a sedating substance, although some aspects of the earlier incidents could not be reconstructed with certainty.
Her recovery plan included medical follow-up and support from a child trauma specialist.
A protective order restricted Adrian’s contact with us.
Rebecca prepared a guest room with fresh sheets, a nightlight, and Maya’s favorite storybooks.
When Maya saw the little bed, she smiled for the first time in days.
