Chapter 11 - THE NAME SHE KEPT
“They can’t move you under the current order,” Ruth told Eva.
“We’re asking the court to make that protection stronger.”
Eva looked at Cameron.
“Did you know about the other place?”
“No.”
“People keep saying no.”
“I know.”
She pressed her palms against her knees.
“My whole life is people deciding things in rooms I’m not in.”
Cameron pulled out the chair opposite her.
“Then this conversation happens with you in the room.”
The investigator explained the available placement options.
A temporary foster placement.
A supervised residence.
Eventually, if Eva wanted it and the court approved, Cameron’s home.
Eva listened carefully.
“I don’t want strangers calling me Lily right away.”
Cameron nodded.
“Okay.”
“But I don’t want Graham calling me Eva, either.”
“What would you like us to call you?”
She thought for a long time.
“Eva for now.
Because that’s who I’ve been.”
“Eva,” he said.
Her shoulders loosened.
Nia arrived that afternoon with Sofie.
The investigator had approved the visit.
Ruth stayed nearby.
Eva recognized Nia from the hospital photograph.
“You’re the lady.”
Nia stopped several feet away.
“I am.”
“Did you know where I was?”
“Not for years.
When I found the old rehabilitation record, you were already gone.”
“Why didn’t you find me sooner?”
Nia didn’t defend herself.
“I wish I had.”
Sofie peered around her mother.
“You’re bigger than your picture.”
Eva laughed before she could stop herself.
“You’re smaller than I expected.”
“I’m three.”
“I heard.”
Sofie held out a drawing.
Three figures.
A very large house.
A yellow moon.
“That’s the sad man.
But he can be happy now.”
Cameron turned toward the window.
Eva watched him.
“Does she always say things like that?”
Nia smiled faintly.
“Usually when I’m least ready for them.”
The visit ended with Sofie asking if Eva liked pancakes.
Eva said yes.
It was the first plan they made that had nothing to do with a courtroom.
Outside, Marcus approached Cameron.
Victor had agreed to surrender the stolen boxes.
In exchange, he wanted investigators to hear a recording.
May you like
Graham wasn’t planning to disappear.
He was planning to make Cameron look unfit to take his daughter home.
