He frowned at Katherine, but did as she directed, finding glasses in the cabinet next to the sink and filtered water in the fridge.
Abby gave him a small smile when he set the glass in front of her.
“Okay. Let’s start at the beginning,” Katherine said. “What’s the daughter’s name?”
“Olivia Holder,” Abby said.
“Her mother’s name?”
“Gayle Holder. G-A-Y-L-E,” a voice said from the hallway Abby had gone down.
A young girl with shoulder-length brown hair stood at the edge of the room, holding a blue folder.
“Olivia, do you want to join us?” Abby asked. “This is Katherine, the woman I told you about. This is Tinker, he works with Katherine.”
A pang hit deep in his chest, like someone had shoved a knife under his rib cage. It cut deep that she didn’t acknowledge their relationship—however new and tenuous it was.
Olivia nodded and sat next to Abby. “My name is Olivia. I’m twelve. I’ll be thirteen in September. My mom was Gayle Holder. She died October twentieth. I haven’t seen my father since I was four and he gave up his parental rights.”
She sounded like she was reciting a speech. He had no doubt she’d rehearsed what to say, either to Abby, the cops, or anyone else that asked.
“I have my birth certificate and social security card. My mom made sure I had copies before she died. I know sometimes kids have a say in where they want to live. I don’t want to go back to that house.” Her voice rose in panic.
He knew that tone. Had heard it from too many kids. The panic was based on fear. The fear based on something that had already happened or something they knew would happen. That deep well of anger creaked open, and he swiftly slammed the lid back down on it.
Abby covered Olivia’s hand with hers. “It’s okay. We’re going to figure this out.”
“Olivia, can I ask why you came to Abby? Do you have any other family? Grandparents or other aunts or uncles?” Katherine asked.
“There’s no one else. My mom told me to find Abby if I needed to,” Olivia said.
“What?” Abby asked. “When?”
Olivia opened the folder and pulled out a sheet of paper, handing it to Abby.
She took it and glanced at it. “Can I read it out loud?”
Olivia nodded and looked down at her lap.
“Dear Livie,
I’m so sorry I’m not there anymore and that you have no one to count on. I wish things could have been different, that I had made different choices, but if I had, I wouldn’t have you, my beautiful girl.
I don’t know how things will be with Edith. We weren’t close growing up, but I hope she will take care of you and protect you. If things get bad, call Abigail Day. She was your father’s second wife. Everything I’ve found out about her makes me believe she is a good person and will help you.
I hope it doesn’t come to that. I hope you live a happy, wonderful life.
Always remember I love you.
Mom.”
Olivia sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand as Abby set the letter back down.
He had to know. “Olivia? What did your mom think your aunt had to protect you from?”
Her shoulders hunched in and her hair fell forward over her face, making her appear smaller. He wasn’t sure she would answer and looked to Katherine for help.
“He started coming into my room,” Olivia whispered.
