Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN WHO LIVED UNDER MY MOTHER'S NAME
Amelia stared at the medical record.
Eleanor Carter.
Her mother's name.
But the photograph showed Sofia Moretti.
“How could they use my mother's identity?”
Detective Bennett examined the file.
“We don't know yet.”
Gabriel looked devastated.
For seventeen years, he'd believed his sister was dead.
Now there was evidence she'd been confined under another woman's name.
Amelia felt tears gathering.
“My mother must have tried to protect her.”
Gabriel nodded slowly.
“But someone found them.”
The detective continued reviewing the records.
One detail stood out.
A transfer had been authorized four years earlier.
The same month Eleanor Carter died.
Amelia's heart raced.
“What happened to Sofia?”
The detective turned the page.
The destination listed a private residential care facility outside Madison.
Gabriel stood.
“Then we find her.”
Amelia nodded.
“Please.”
Investigators contacted Wisconsin authorities.
Within hours, they confirmed the facility still operated.
A resident matching Sofia's age and description was listed under the name Eleanor Reed.
Gabriel covered his mouth.
“She's alive?”
The detective remained careful.
“The records suggest she may be. We need to verify her identity and condition.”
Amelia understood.
Hope could be painful when it arrived too quickly.
But she couldn't stop imagining Rosa Moretti, Gabriel's elderly mother, finally seeing her daughter again.
Then her phone rang.
Troy.
She stared at the screen.
Detective Bennett advised her to preserve the call and avoid revealing the investigation.
Amelia answered.
“Hello?”
Troy's voice was strangely gentle.
“Ally.”
She closed her eyes.
“Don't call me that.”
A pause.
Then he sighed.
“I miss you.”
She stared at the wall.
“The children are safe.”
“I want my family back.”
“Troy, we need to discuss arrangements through attorneys.”
His tone changed.
“You've been talking to Moretti.”
Amelia didn't answer.
He laughed bitterly.
“Do you know what kind of man he is?”
“I know what kind of man you are.”
Silence.
Then Troy whispered:
“Be careful, Amelia.”
She gripped the phone.
“Is that a threat?”
“No.”
Another pause.
“It's a warning.”
Her heart began pounding.
“About what?”
“My father.”
Amelia went still.
“Richard?”
“Yes.”
“He's dead.”
Troy gave a strange laugh.
“That's what he wanted everyone to believe.”
Amelia closed her eyes.
May you like
Then he whispered:
“And if Gabriel finds Sofia, my father will come after your children.”
