She wrote that documents existed.
She said a promise had been made in 1987.
Then:
I was told the arrangement was for the best. I no longer know whether I believe that.
And finally:
If Hannah ever learns the full truth, tell her that the worst thing I ever did began with believing I knew what was best for everyone.
I folded the letter.
“She never says who Lucas’s birth mother was.”
“No.”
“Did Margaret speak with Walter Pierce?”
“She tried,” Douglas said.
“And?”
“He’d retired.”
“Then find him.”
“We did.”
Lucas reached for another paper.
“He died in 1996.”
Two years before my mother wrote to Margaret.
“Then she knew he was dead.”
“We think so.”
“Why tell Margaret to speak to a dead man?”
Lucas answered quietly.
“Because Walter Pierce left records.”
I stared at him.
“Where?”
“That’s the mystery.”
Douglas looked exhausted.
I could see it in the grayness around his mouth.
