Chapter 6 - THE MOTHER BEHIND THE LOCKED DOOR
The search of the marine station continued through the night.
Investigators found evidence that several people had recently been held there.
But Hannah Rowan was gone.
A maintenance worker questioned by agents remembered seeing a woman escorted into a white van two days earlier.
She was thin.
Weak.
Wearing a gray coat.
And carrying a small blue notebook.
Agent Shaw showed him Hannah's photograph.
He nodded.
“That's her.”
Lauren received the call at 4:12 a.m.
She was sitting beside Maisie's hospital bed.
The child had finally fallen asleep.
Shaw's voice was quiet.
“We have a confirmed sighting.”
Lauren closed her eyes.
“Alive?”
“Yes. Two days ago.”
Lauren looked at Maisie.
Tears filled her eyes.
“Thank God.”
But the relief was brief.
The van had disappeared.
Its registration belonged to a shell company.
And the driver had used a false identity.
Meanwhile, Dr. Grace had been placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Hospital leadership issued an internal directive requiring staff to preserve records and cooperate with authorities.
Dr. Brandt's recording was collected as potential evidence.
He was also referred for disciplinary review.
Lauren expected to feel vindicated.
Instead, she felt exhausted.
Because none of it brought Hannah home.
That afternoon, Maisie woke and asked:
“Is Mommy coming?”
Lauren sat beside her.
“We're looking for her.”
Maisie's eyes filled.
“She said she'd come.”
Lauren squeezed her hand.
“I know.”
The child looked toward Benji's room.
“Can I tell him?”
Lauren nodded.
Together, they walked to the pediatric intensive care unit.
Benji was awake for the first time since his arrival.
His eyes moved slowly toward the sound of Maisie's voice.
She gasped.
“Benji!”
Lauren smiled.
“He's getting stronger.”
Maisie leaned close.
“Mommy's coming,” she whispered.
The baby made a small sound.
Barely more than a breath.
May you like
But Maisie began crying.
Because after days of silence, her brother had finally answered her.
