Page 134 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Callie blinked back tears, torn between the present and past—a time she didn’t remember but was her only link to finding out who she was. “Thank you.”

“I should have put it together sooner—those big blue eyes. I don’t know why I didn’t.” Ms. Battleman looked at Nate. “Maybe the press aren’t the only ones who are sneaky.”

“No,” Callie said as she rested her hand on Ms. Battleman’s arm. “Nate is my boyfriend and the sheriff of Carter Island. He’s helping me. I’m trying to find my mother.”

Ms. Battleman hugged her again. “You poor, sweet girl.” She drew back, touching her cheek. “You’ve been okay?”

Callie nodded. “Yes. I’ve been good—well cared for and loved by my adoptive family.”

Ms. Battleman huffed out a breath as she shook her head. “And here I am hanging all over you.” She stood again, moving over to her seat.

“Ms. Battleman, what happened after you asked Callie your questions?” Nate wanted to know.

“I picked her up and we went back into the kitchen to call the police. Earl and I got her some ice cream and waited for them to come.”

“Did she say anything about what had happened to her?”

“No. She didn’t say or eat much of anything. She just sort of stared at the doors to the dining room while she sat on the counter.”

“Do you remember anything else that sticks out in your mind?”

“Her hair smelled like baby shampoo.”

“So she was clean?”

“Yes. Except there was some dirt on her pants—on her knees. And her sad eyes,” Ms. Battleman continued as her voice grew unsteady. “Those big blue eyes and the way she clutched her baby doll when the police officer took her away. I saw her in the video on the news the next day, then never again.” She looked at Callie. “Until now.”

Nate took out the picture from the Carter Island Fourth of July parade and handed it over. “Do you recognize this woman?”

Ms. Battleman shook her head. “No.”

“You didn’t see anyone who looked like her anywhere around the diner?”

“No.” She looked at Nate, then Callie. “This is your mother.”

Callie nodded. “We believe so.”

“She’s a pretty one too. I sure wish I knew why she did what she did.”

“Me too.”

Ms. Battleman handed back the photo. “You live on Carter Island?”

“With me,” Nate added as another timer went off in the kitchen.

“The next batch of cookies and my reminder to get ready for my trip to the airport.” Ms. Battleman stood. “Getting out of here for a week every year keeps me sane.” She disappeared again.

“Do you remember what happened?” Max asked Callie.

Callie shook her head, surprised by the stirrings of sympathy she thought she saw in his eyes. “I don’t remember anything.”

Max nodded as his mother came out with a small Tupperware container.

“You two should take these with you.” She pulled something out of her dress pocket—a camera. “I would love to have a picture with you, Callie.”

Callie looked at Nate, not quite sure what to do. How could she say no?

“It’s just for me. I won’t share it with anyone. I’m just honored to have this chance to see you again.”