Page 91 of Fatal Strike
“I understand. But if you’re holding back additional information, now is the time to tell me.”
Rachel sighed. “The idea of Dylan being a part of these horrible crimes makes me physically ill. Nothing in my limited conversations with him indicated any criminal intent. Silvia Ortega raised my son with good values. Find him and help prove his innocence.”
How much of what Rachel said was truth?
57
MONDAY MORNING,Silvia and Warren entered the building housing Galveston County Jail. Warren held her hand, giving her the strength she needed to endure what lay ahead.
“I’m going to wait out here,” Warren said. “There are things you may need to say without my presence.”
Silvia had counted on having Warren beside her during the ordeal. He had insight and wisdom, but she wouldn’t protest. They had a bit of a wait anyway, since Agents Riesel and Colbert hadn’t arrived yet.
Guilt threatened her resolve. Was she betraying her precious boy? Did he understand he’d been born of her heart if not of her womb? Fear for his safety mounted. A gang member or law enforcement officer could kill him.
Silvia thought about Rachel, the young woman who’d givenher baby boy up for adoption to focus on a career. The conversations were etched in Silvia’s heart, beginning at the dental office when she’d cleaned Rachel’s teeth over twenty-one years ago.
“No X-rays,” Rachel had whispered. “I’m pregnant.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I should abort, but I don’t want to kill my baby. Neither can I keep it when I have two more years of law school.”
Silvia leaned into her. “Your words tell me your baby is dear to you.”
“I don’t know what to do.” She blinked back more tears. “My parents would be so disappointed. Murder is sin, and I’m old-fashioned and believe in the church’s stand on abortion. Father Gabriel would excommunicate me.”
“There is a solution,” Silvia said. “Adoption is a gift to someone who desperately wants a child.”
“I’ve wondered about it, even considered various options.” She peered into Silvia’s face, her huge blue eyes filled with despair.
“Who else knows?”
“Only you.”
“Do you want me to help you find a home for your baby through the church?”
“Yes, I need help. I can hide the pregnancy until mid-May when school is out. Then I can disappear until my due date of September 20.”
Thinking back on how her friendship with Rachel began, Silvia wondered if she’d been naive, the one who’d been used. As their conversations continued, Rachel begged her to take the baby, claimed God had planned it. Father Gabriel assisted with the adoption, arranging for Ross Kempler to complete the legal paperwork. Rachel watched her son grow while Silvia threw her heart and soul into raising the boy.
She didn’t understand then or now why she’d been the one selected to love Rachel’s baby. Every day since then, she’d thanked God for His gift.
God, help me trust You for Dylan’s innocence.
Warren broke the silence between them. “Remember we asked God to bless whatever happens and use it for His good.”
She pushed aside her emotion. No reason to hide the truth any longer. She must tell Warren about the adoption without mentioning Rachel’s name. “Warren, there’s something I need to tell you about Dylan ...”
When Agent Riesel entered the room, Silvia swallowed a lump in her throat and promised herself she’d not panic. The agent’s left hand and wrist were bandaged. Silvia and Warren rose to greet her. Agent Riesel welcomed Silvia before giving Warren her attention.
“We meet again, Mr. Livingston,” Agent Riesel said.
“You two know each other?” Silvia stared at him.
“I didn’t want to alarm you.” He seemed to sense her concern. “My shop and property were threatened. Chief Everson referred me to these agents.”
“Is everything all right?”
“Oh yes. It may have been a hoax.”
A twist of betrayal rose in Silvia, and she tried to choke it back. But she’d held information from him. “I’m not upset, but I wish you’d have told me.”
