Chapter 7 - THE MOTHER MARA BURIED ALIVE.
Elena revealed Mara’s late mother, Judith Collins, had worked as a nurse at St. Aurelia Clinic.
Judith discovered the placement network and secretly altered files to keep some children from being transferred.
She also helped Elena’s father escape after he tried to expose the hotel trust scheme.
Mara had been told Judith died in a car accident.
Clinic records showed she survived and entered witness protection under another name.
Commissioner Reeves mocked the revelation.
“Your mother lied to you for twenty years. Do not pretend secrecy belongs only to wealthy families.”
Mara answered, “My mother will answer for what she chose. That does not erase what you built.”
The workers demanded the files be placed under victim control, not police control.
Federal prosecutors agreed to create an independent review board led by affected families.
Then a secure video call connected.
Judith Collins appeared alive.
Mara’s composure cracked.
“You watched me bury you.”
Judith said she disappeared to protect Mara from Charles Holloway.
Then Lily stepped closer to the screen.
May you like
Judith looked at her and whispered:
“That child was never supposed to survive the first placement.”
