CHAPTER 6: The Hidden File That Changed Everything
That evening, Olivia was suspended from duty.
No one believed her.
No one believed the old janitor either.
Except Ryan.
Something inside him refused to accept that Emily was truly gone.
After everyone left the hospital, Ryan quietly found Mr. Thomas sitting alone in the basement cafeteria.
"You said you knew something."
The old man looked around to make sure no one was nearby.
Then he spoke in a trembling voice.
"For twenty-six years..."
"I've carried this secret."
He reached inside his worn jacket and pulled out an old yellowed envelope.
It was sealed with faded hospital tape.
"I was too afraid to come forward."
"I thought everyone involved was dead."
Ryan carefully opened it.
Inside...
Were copies of maternity records.
Three newborn girls.
One page had been crossed out with thick black ink.
Another contained handwritten notes.
At the bottom was a sentence that made Ryan's blood run cold.
'Infant #2 transferred under private instruction. Biological identity sealed. Payment received.'
Ryan looked up.
"What does this mean?"
Mr. Thomas swallowed hard.
"It means..."
"The woman you married may not be the daughter of the family who raised her."
Before Ryan could ask another question...
The cafeteria lights suddenly went out.
Darkness swallowed the room.
A metallic click echoed behind them.
Someone had locked the exit.
Then...
A familiar voice came from the shadows.
"You should've let the past stay buried."
Ryan slowly turned around.
Standing in the darkness...
Was the senior pathologist.
May you like
And in his hand...
Was a loaded pistol. 😱
