Chapter 7 - THE DAUGHTER WHO WAS ERASED
The shelter had closed years earlier.
Its records were transferred to a nonprofit archive.
Gabriel's attorneys obtained access to the relevant files through lawful channels.
A girl matching Lucia's age had entered the shelter in 2002.
Her name had been changed.
Her records were incomplete.
But one document remained.
An adoption placement.
The child had been adopted by a couple in Connecticut.
Her new name was:
Mara Collins.
Tessa stared at the file.
“She's alive.”
Gabriel nodded slowly.
“Possibly.”
They located Mara through public professional records.
She was thirty-three.
A pediatric occupational therapist.
Married.
Mother of two children.
Gabriel studied her photograph.
The resemblance to Antonino was unmistakable.
But Tessa stopped him before he could contact her.
“Gabriel.”
He looked up.
“You can't just walk into her life and tell her everything.”
“She's family.”
“She doesn't know that.”
He frowned.
“She deserves the truth.”
“Yes,” Tessa said. “But she deserves to decide how she receives it.”
Gabriel considered.
Then nodded.
They contacted an attorney experienced in adoption-related matters.
A careful letter was prepared.
It explained that newly discovered family records might relate to Mara's biological history.
It offered independent verification.
No pressure.
No demands.
Then they waited.
May you like
Three weeks later, Mara responded.
She wanted to meet.
