The Search for Maisie’s Father
Chapter 14 - The Search for Maisie’s Father
Claire had kept Maisie’s father private because his family once worked for the Hales.
After the trials, she told Maisie the truth.
His name was Daniel Reed.
He was a ferry mechanic who discovered the altered security footage the night Claire disappeared.
He helped Rosa intercept the medical van.
Two months later, Daniel died in an industrial accident before learning Claire was pregnant.
Claire preserved his letters and photographs.
No conspiracy evidence connected the Hales to his death.
The family resisted turning every tragedy into another accusation.
Maisie visited his grave with Claire.
She placed a printed photograph beside the stone, then took it home after the visit.
The picture belonged to her.
She did not owe the cemetery permanent possession of it.
Adrian asked whether she wanted to use Reed as her first surname.
May you like
She already had.
The name had carried her through years when official records refused to connect her to either parent.
