Private Sydney (Private 12)

‘Sorry to bother you, ma’am, I work for Reed Armstrong Real Estate and we have buyers keen to move into this area.’

‘I’m not interested in selling.’ She tried to close the door but my foot was already blocking it.

‘I could give you an obligation-free quote on the spot. I think you’d be surprised what homes like yours are selling for in the current market.’

She part-turned at something behind her. I glimpsed marks on the side of her face.

‘I’m not interested,’ she said. This time she slammed the door. I only just got my foot out in time.

She had looked scared. Someone else had to be inside.

I headed back down the drive and into the street before doubling back via the neighbour’s yard. All the curtains and blinds were closed.

I signalled for Mary to find a way in. She climbed on the rubbish bin and managed to lift the screen of the open bathroom window.

I kicked off my shoes and pulled myself up through the window while Mary took off around the back. I had just climbed through when something crashed inside.

From the bathroom door I caught a glimpse of the living room. The woman was now tied to a chair, crying.

And a man a lot larger than me was standing over her.

‘You destroyed my daughter!’ He wrenched hard on her ankle ties.

Sigrid Hall winced. ‘I never hurt anyone, I swear.’

I pulled out my phone and quickly hit record.

‘You’re a liar! My son-in-law was tested. He has no genetic defects. He doesn’t carry the condition you say the baby had.’ His tone suddenly calmed as he bent down, right in his captive’s face. ‘At first I thought it was you who had it and knew you could pass on the defect.’

‘No!’

‘Then I got to thinking …’ He gave her a long calculating look. ‘I saw a specialist who said the gene was dominant. Do you know what that means?’

She closed her eyes, tears spilling down her cheeks.

‘You claimed to have two healthy children but we both know that’s not possible with a dominant gene.’ He paced in front of her. ‘The specialist thought it was odd my daughter didn’t get to see the body. That all we had was your word.’

She flicked hair from her doe-like eyes. ‘If you untie me, I’ll tell you everything.’

The man gave her a hateful smile. ‘No need. I know the baby didn’t die. There was never anything wrong with her.’

He cocked his head and raised his hand.

Sigrid blurted, ‘Wait! The scan could have been confused with someone else’s. It happens sometimes.’

‘Wrong answer.’ He landed a slap to her left cheek. She slumped to the right and he pulled her up. ‘Try again.’

‘All right!’ Her breathing became shallow. ‘I lied about that.’

‘So you admit it. You and that other woman planned the whole thing. You kept my grandchild.’ He raged. ‘Is there a standard fee for a white baby girl? Or is there some kind of bidding war?’ He stormed into the kitchen and I could hear drawers slamming.

Sigrid’s eyes widened with panic.

Chapter 101

I TEXTED MARY: escalating. stand by. tall male 120 kg.

‘There is no baby,’ Sigrid Hall screamed. ‘You’ve got it all wrong.’