Holidays are Hell(96)

Almost nauseated, Zoe fumbled in her briefcase and reminded herself that she'd picked these people out of hundreds of candidates. She'd researched their backgrounds, those of their extended families, and even did a drive by on their neat, suburban home. She needed them. And the child needed to be in hiding because of who and what she was. She'd be safe with the McCormicks. Safe from the judgment of those who'd fault her for the circumstances under which she was conceived. And, most importantly, safe from the Shadows.

"If you could just sign here," she said, her voice sounding hollow even to her own ears, as she dropped the paperwork on the counter and moved away. Suddenly all she really wanted to do was get away.

The McCormicks moved in close, chattering excitedly as they each signed the small stack of papers completing the adoption. When they were done, Zoe ripped off the copies and handed them to Mrs. McCormick. She then dropped the rest back in her briefcase, settled her glasses more firmly on her nose, and said, "Congratulations."

Dave blinked and drew back. "That's it?"

"Wow, that was fast."

"The birth mother isn't contesting anything." She shot them a smile. It felt brittle on her face. "Enjoy your new family."

But she'd only taken a few steps before half-turning again. She couldn't help it… and asking now would save her the trouble and risk of searching later. "What will you name her?"

"Jenna."

"Samantha."

They answered at the same time, then looked at one another sheepishly, bursting into giggles again. Dave recovered himself first. "We're still working that out."

Zoe nodded shortly and forced an aspect of bored professionalism in her voice before turning. "Good luck."

And she strode away, closing the last chapter on her old life forever.



Zoe's plan was to turn in the paperwork finalizing the McCormick adoption to social services in the morning, quit her job right after that, and lay low until she figured out a new identity to replace Traci Malone. She'd have liked to take a little vacation, get out of town while everyone else was celebrating the holidays, but her finances wouldn't allow it. Every dime she had, and every safety net, she'd had to leave behind. She was starting over for the third time in her life, and doing it with fewer resources than ever before.

But she had seen her family safe, she thought on a sigh, and had secured her lineage for the next two generations. Joanna possessed everything she needed to heal and eventually she'd be better and stronger for it. And now her granddaughter was hidden deep, if in plain sight, and the Shadows would never know of her existence. Yes, thought Zoe as she exited the hospital into a cool November night, it was all worth it.

Caught up in her thoughts, Zoe hardly noticed the black town car glide up to the curb, or the driver hop out to open the passenger door.

"I'll pull around to the side and wait for you there, Miss Olivia," the driver said, holding out a hand.

"Thank you, Brian," his charge said, and Zoe turned to see a beautiful young girl alighting from the car. She was on the cusp of womanhood, with peaches and cream skin and billowing blond hair that stood out like a beacon against her black sweater set. Zoe stared, unable to take her eyes from the girl. It'd been six long months since she'd seen her youngest daughter.

Olivia Archer beelined for the entrance as the car whisked off, her arms so full of bags and boxes she had to peer around the side to navigate her way. Zoe didn't question the need to help, to see her daughter. She just moved before she knew she'd acted, rushing to hold open one of the giant glass doors.

Olivia caught the movement from the corner of her eye. Yelping, she shied and ducked, and only belatedly did Zoe realize what she must look like; someone waiting until the girl was alone, charging from the side. Attacking her in the night. Olivia's packages flew from her arms and Zoe heard glass shattering and bags ripping, while her daughter dodged behind a concrete pillar. Even with her mortal hearing she could make out the ragged breath and whimpers.

"No, no, no, no…"

Oh, her poor, traumatized baby.

"Miss Archer?" Zoe cast her voice high, keeping it steady, though it wanted to shake. "I'm so sorry to startle you. I was just going to get the door."

Olivia peered cautiously around the pillar, her blue eyes wide, fear etched on her brow.

Her poor, poor baby.

"H-how do you know my name?" Olivia asked, still wary.

Zoe tried on a smile, but it felt tight on her face, and she let it drop, trying for casualness instead. "I'm the case worker for your sister's adoption. We met before."

Olivia edged out from behind the pillar, recognition dawning in her eyes. "I-I'm not supposed to talk to you. I mean, my father said I'm not supposed to talk about it. With anyone. The baby, I mean."