“We double-checked. The report was filed by Lucian Ashthorne, your biological father. There’s been an open case ever since. Your mother vanished with you when you were five years old.”
The pit in my stomach becomes a chasm.
She took me away.
Away from my dad.
Took me and told me he was the one who was gone.
“Has he been contacted?” Brenda asks.
“Yes, we contacted him and he’s on his way here. We didn’t disclose what happened to you, just that you were in the hospital.”
“What if she doesn’t want to see him?” Maeve asks.
“Then that is her choice, but with her father’s position, we needed to contact him immediately.”
“His position?” I tilt my head.
“Yes.” He clears his throat, adjusting the collar of his shirt. “He said he’d be here within the few hours. He’s flying in from California.”
My thoughts swirl. He’s alive. He’s coming from California. He was looking for me.
“Thank you, detective.” Brenda stands, walking over and placing a hand on my shoulder. “We really appreciate you putting a rush on this.”
“Of course. It’s my pleasure. I have an update about your case if you’re ready to hear it.”
My mouth dries at the thought of him. “Hit me with it.”
“Daniel and your mother were both arrested. Daniel for rape and aggravated assault, Celia for possession. We’ve been trying to offer her a plea for her cooperation and testimony against Daniel.”
“Let me guess, she’s not.” Maeve looks at me.
Detective Harlan shakes his head. “She won’t take the deal. He was denied bail. The DA is doing what he can to try to negotiate a deal, so you won’t have to testify. It’ll take some time though.”
My head bobs as he talks, each word makes something in my chest lift.
“Your mom was granted bail of $2,500 but no one’s come forward to pay that, so she’ll be held until trial. Additionally, from what I’ve heard, she’s been detoxing, so it’s probably for the best she stays inside.”
“Finally,” Maeve mutters.
“Will I be able to visit?”
He shakes his head. “No, the jail doesn’t allow visits, but if there’s a number you’d like her to call you on I can pass that along.”
My heart drops. I don’t even know what I’d say to her. Or what she’d say to me. “Thank you, for the updates. And finding my dad.” The word feels foreign in my mouth.
“Of course.” Detective Harlan fishes a card out of his pocket and places it on my table. “If you have any questions or need anything at all, please give me a call anytime.”
“Thank you.” Brenda gestures. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Get better, Isobel. We’ll be in touch.”
I give him a small grin. He takes a donut out of the box with a napkin and follows Brenda out.
Maeve exhales heavily. “Well, that was… a lot.”
“No kidding.” I stare blankly into my lap.
