Page 14 of The Stolen Child

Kimberly looked at him sharply. ‘That was nothing. He splashed his sister, and Jason reprimanded him for it.’

Inspector Ortega looked down at his notebook, flipped back two pages, and then said, ‘The couple said you seemed upset with your husband.’

Kimberly took a steadying breath, trying to avoid the obvious direction of this conversation. ‘I had a headache. If I was snappy with Jason, it was because of that.’

‘I understand,’ Inspector Ortega said, writing some more notes.

‘Why can’t Jason be in here with me?’ Kimberly asked, her eyes darting to the door. She missed her husband’s solid and calming presence.

‘Because I need to talk to you on your own. I plan to question Jason next.’

Another ripple of unease ran through Kimberly.

‘Where is Robert’s father?’ the inspector asked.

Kimberly felt her hackles rise. She did not like the inspector’s tone and direction of questioning. ‘Standing outside this room, no doubt waiting impatiently to return to our side.’

The inspector almost smiled. ‘I meant, where is the child’s biological father, as I suspect you know.’

‘Why do you want to know that?’ Kimberly asked, every fibre in her body recoiling at the question.

Inspector Ortega leaned in. ‘I’m trying to determine if Robert has been abducted. Often, a family member is involved in situations like this. An ex-husband, crazy boyfriend, occasionally a grandparent.’

Kimberly’s heart began to race so fast that she was sure the inspector could hear it. She looked him squarely in the eye and responded, ‘The father is not in the picture. He couldn’t have taken Robert.’

‘Why is that?’

‘Because he doesn’t know that Robert even exists. And, before you ask, I can’t give you a name. It was a one-night stand,’ Kimberly said, feeling colour flood her face.

More notes were scribbled. ‘And are there any other family members who might have taken Robert?’

‘I’m an only child, and both my parents are dead. Other than Jason and my children, I am alone.’ Her voice choked, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. She tried to control her emotions, but it was too much to bear. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t seem to stop them.’

Inspector Ortega handed her a pressed white handkerchief from his jacket pocket. ‘It’s okay. A mother’s love knows no bounds. Let’s leave it for now. Either way, I have some questions for your husband.’

Kimberly stood up. ‘I think I’ll return to our cabin with Lily to freshen up while you speak to Jason.’ Since their nightmare began this morning, she’d not even brushed her teeth or combed her hair. Lily was still in her sleepsuit, and the early afternoon sun was getting even hotter. She should change her into something lighter, at least.

But Inspector Ortega interrupted her. ‘I’m afraid you can’t return to your cabin. But Captain Phillipe has assigned you a new cabin in the interim, and transferred your clothes there.’

‘Why on earth not?’ Kimberly asked.

‘Your cabin is now a crime scene.’ Ortega’s eyes bore into Kimberly as he spoke, his tone stern and unwavering. ‘I believe it was impossible for Robert to leave the cabin alone. Which means that someone took him. And, until our investigation is complete, the cabin must be protected and preserved for evidence.’ His eyes now moved to Robert’s Peter Rabbit. ‘I will have to take the soft toy too for biological analysis. We’ll check for hair samples, and I promise to return the toy as soon as possible.’

Crime.

Evidence.

Investigation.

Kimberly’s mind was in turmoil as the words taunted her, intensifying her feelings of helplessness and vulnerability.

How had it come to this?

BEFORE

March 1973

Sally