Chapter 18 - An Unexpected Phone Call From A Three-Month-Old's Mother
Back in Atlanta, Claire’s cell phone buzzed on her kitchen counter while she baked cookies with her sister.
She glanced at the screen, noticing an unfamiliar restricted caller ID originating from a federal institution.
She let it ring three times before sliding her thumb across the screen to accept the audio connection.
“State your name and purpose for calling,” an automated prison voice announced sternly across the line.
“Claire… please, I know I don’t have any right to speak to you,” my broken voice whispered.
Silence stretched across the telephone line for what felt like an eternity of agonizing suspense.
“Mark, the only reason I am listening right now is so you understand one final thing,” Claire said firmly.
“I survived your betrayal, I built a wonderful life, and you will never see our daughter again.”
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“I know… I just wanted to say I’m sorry for destroying the only good thing I ever had,” I choked out.
The line went dead with a sharp click before I could utter another word of my desperate plea.
