Page 4 of The Right to Remain

“I’m sure it’s fine,” said Helena. “Whatever it is, we’ll do it.”

“So, Elle has only one worldly possession of any value. It means a lot to her. And she wants the baby to have it.”

“What?”

“Her gold toe ring.”

Helena started to laugh, then caught herself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh. I’m just so relieved. We’ll happily keep it with all the baby’s keepsakes.”

“Well, like I said, that ring is the only thing of value Elle owns. I was hoping that, in fairness, you might consider...”

The pause was curious.

“Consider what?” asked Helena.

“Buying it from her.”

“Buying it?” asked Owen.

Helena heard his skepticism, and she was quick to shut it down. “Of course we’ll buy it. How much?”

“It’s very valuable.”

“Howmuch?” asked Helena.

“Two hundred fifty thousand dollars should do it.”

Helena’s response caught in her throat.

“You’re a fucking thief!” said Owen.

“Mr. Pollard, please!” she said with a heavy dose of indignation. “You’re dropping f-bombs in a maternity ward? Right in front of my grandson? Mybiologicalgrandson over whom you have no legal rights?”

Helena interceded, trying a more conciliatory tone with the woman holding all the cards. “Serena, could you give me a moment with my husband, please?”

Serena was locked in a stare-down with Owen, which added to the tension between them.

“I’ll check on my daughter. But I’ll need an answer when I come back.” Serena turned and left them alone at the window.

Helena spoke in a harsh whisper. “Can you please get control of yourself, Owen? You’re going to blow up this whole thing.”

“I’mblowing it up?” he asked, incredulous. “This woman is crazy. We’ve covered Elle’s living expenses, her medical bills, and the costs of adoption. Legally, that’s all the adoptive parents can do. Buying a baby is a felony.”

“No one is asking us to buy a baby. They’re selling us a toe ring.”

“That’s total bullshit, and you know it. Any prosecutor with half a brain would call this what it is: two hundred fifty thousand dollars for Elle’s baby.”

“Think of how much we’ve already spent trying to get pregnant. Where has it gotten us? I’m thirty-eight years old, Owen. The odds just keep getting worse.”

“I’m an FBI agent. I should be arresting this woman, not paying her money.”

“Well, if you’re going to arrest her, you need to cuff me too.”

“What are you talking about?”

Helena breathed out. “This is the second time she’s pulled this stunt about Elle changing her mind. I paid her ten thousand dollars two months ago.”

“Damn it, Helena. No wonder she’s so brazen. She’s got us now. You already committed a felony.”