Unshielded Past

By Patti Morelli

Unshielded Past picks up where Shielded Past left off. It's packed with suspense, murder, drama, and a bit of the supernatural. Samantha reappears to warn Annie and Andrew, about the danger that is about to happen. The question is -- who really is in danger?

New characters are introduced: the woman seen at the hospital demolition, Gregg's stepbrother whose motive is unknown, a family of policemen, the FBI, the legal system, and a father with an unsavory background. They all help to tell the tale and expose the secrets and horrors that they carry. Annie and Andrew seek the answers to her mothers abandonment, the abuse she endured from her father and who killed all those women? Who is out to harm Kate, Annie's best friend? Some of those answers are welcomed blessings, others are heartbreaking, but the real threat is to Annie including everything she treasures and even her very life.

Unshielded Past makes us realize how important family, good friends, and persevering are the keys to happiness. There are multiple surprises throughout each of the chapters. With every turn of the page, this story becomes more entwined and intriguing, keeping you wondering and guessing until the very end.

Unshielded Past is a sequel to Patti's first book, Shielded Past, which received the 2015 Gold Seal of Literacy Excellence Award through Trafford Publishing.

Patti has promised those of us who love her writing, that there are more books on the way with different storylines and characters.

Some of her poetry collection can be viewed on this
website: www.pattimorelli.com

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Aug 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781490784113

Patti Morelli

This is Patti’s second book published through Trafford Publishing. Patti’s first book was written under a pen name. In January of 2015 her first book received the Gold Seal of Literary Excellence Award from Trafford Publishing. Patti has lived a full life. She has achieved success in business, politics, marriage, motherhood, and all of life’s challenges. Years ago as Patti toured the grounds of Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, her vivid imagination conjured up this story. Her love for suspense and mystery novels inspired her to write this book. With the assistance of her editors, Karen Platone and Janice Nelson, Patti feels that this has been a joyous collaboration of three powerful women with brilliant literary minds. One idea three minds could only be triumphant. Patti’s collection of inspirational poems can be viewed at www.pattimorelli.com.

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Copyright 2017 Patti Morelli.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8410-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8412-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8411-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017912953

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Trafford rev.  08/22/2017

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1     The Demolition

Chapter 2     The Search

Chapter 3     Forgiveness

Chapter 4     Annabelle’s Story

Chapter 5     Fears, Tears & Cheers

Chapter 6     Now & Then

Chapter 7     Redemption

Chapter 8     Annie’s Family

Chapter 9     The Trap Is Set

Chapter 10   Family Finds

Chapter 11   Dapper Dad

Chapter 12   A First Of Many

Chapter 13   A Matter Of Trust

Chapter 14   Unity & Deception

Chapter 15   The Wedding Guest

Chapter 16   Is She Or Isn’t She

Chapter 17   No One Is Safe

Chapter 18   In The Name Of Love

Chapter 19  Digging Deeper

Chapter 20   Connecting The Dots

Chapter 21   Full Disclosure

Chapter 22   Where To Go

Chapter 23   The Stage Is Set

Chapter 24   Darkness Of The Night

Chapter 25   Someone Always Loses

Chapter 26   Never What It Seems

Chapter 27   Justice Served

Conclusion: Life Goes On

CHAPTER ONE

THE DEMOLITION

T he nightmare was truly over—the psychiatric hospital along with Kate’s house, with their dark secrets, were finally demolished. Seeing how happy Kate was in her new life, her new home, and surrounded by family, Annie knew this was something she and Kate had both longed for.

While driving back from Kate’s home, Annie and Andrew discussed the possibilities of moving to New Jersey. They avoided talking about the message they had received from Samantha, Kate’s deceased mother. Later that evening, while Annie was lying next to Andrew with her hands on her pregnant belly, all her thoughts surfaced as she earnestly brought up the subject.

"Oh, Andrew, we can’t avoid Samantha’s message any longer. She said we have to protect them. Do you think she means Kate and Bella? Samantha was right the last time, Kate had been in danger."

Andrew sat up. I know, and I also have been trying to figure it out. I don’t know who she would be in danger from now that Gregg and Dr. Reisner are dead. They can’t come back from the grave, can they?

Annie now sat up next to him. Why not? Samantha does. She looked at Andrew with a long stare. I don’t think ghosts or spirits come back to harm us. If that were the case, we would all be in big trouble.

He tried to reassure Annie. I think it has to be a real person, not a ghost.

Annie agreed, If it was a ghost, I’m sure Samantha would be able to handle it herself. What about the woman I saw at the hospital and again through the gates at Kate’s house? When Sam started barking out the window, it must have frightened her, and by the time you walked over to get a glimpse of her, she had disappeared. This was exactly when Samantha came to us. Could Kate be in danger from that woman?

I didn’t see her either time. I’m sorry, Annie, I don’t know. He put his arm around her and drew her closer. We just have to keep our eyes on Kate, and we need to stay close to her and Bella. I think living in New Jersey is going to be better for our daughter, also.

Annie quickly interrupted, I am not totally sure about that. Living near Kate and the Halperns would be great, but let’s not forget about the downside—the lunacy and tragedy that surrounds that family. Samantha’s message affirms that it’s not over yet.

Andrew laughed. I love you, Annie. I wish I could say it was your vivid imagination at work, but when it comes to Kate, no one could ever dream up such atrocities. I think if you lived farther away from Kate that your mind would never be at ease. If we lived closer to her, we would be able to protect her. Annie nodded in agreement and settled into his arms.

THE ARTICLE

The following day, on her way home from the mall, Annie stopped by Kate’s house. As Kate opened the door, Sam and Bella came running towards her. Sam was jumping and Bella was calling for her Aunt Annie. She swooped up Bella into her arms and was petting Sam as she walked inside. Kate laughed as Annie tried to give both of them the attention they wanted. A while later Kate put Bella down for her nap. Annie was walking around the living room and found herself looking out the window, hoping she would see that woman again. She walked into the kitchen and saw the newspaper on the table. She glanced at the paper and noticed that one of the featured stories was on the demolition of the hospital. She sat down and started reading the article.

The article included all the details of Kate’s life: the events leading up to her mother’s death, the complex story of Dr. Reisner, and, of course, the details on her maniacal husband, Gregg, and his sordid past. Annie was surprised the article reported that Gregg was a Kilpatrick since everyone knew him as Gregg Lawson.

As she continued to read, she saw a picture of Gregg’s mother and her name, Annabelle Clifford. Annie recognized her immediately. She was the woman waving to Bella at the hospital. Annabelle, Bella, she said to herself. Gregg named his daughter after his mother. Kate interrupted Annie’s thoughts as she walked into the kitchen.

Bella did not want to go down for her nap. I promised her that Aunt Annie would be here when she awoke. You will be staying awhile?

Annie looked up. Of course I’ll stay. Then she asked Kate, Did you read the article on you and Gregg?

No. I didn’t get a chance to read the paper today.

Well, you should. Did you know that his mother’s name was Annabelle?

No, Kate replied. She walked over to Annie and put her hand on her shoulder as the two women continued reading the article. It was an interview with Annabelle from months before. They read that she had been released from prison and had been out on parole for the past two months. When Kate saw the photograph of Annabelle, Annie felt it was her cue to tell Kate what she’d seen.

Kate?

Annie, what is it?

I saw her yesterday at the hospital, waving to Bella, and then I saw her through your window. She was standing outside the gate.

Why didn’t you tell me sooner?

Annie answered, I didn’t know who she was until I saw this article. I’ve never met her. The only one who has met her is Andrew. She vanished before I could point her out to Andrew. She probably knew that Andrew would recognize her, and that must be the reason why she left so quickly.

Kate was confused. Why didn’t she just introduce herself to me? What do you think this means? What do you think she wants?

Annie tried to talk calmly. Her granddaughter, Bella, is the only family she has left. I’m sure she is going to contact you, and I think it’s going to be really soon. I have to call Andrew and let him know that she was the woman I saw yesterday.

Kate read the article over again, and read about the illegitimate son of Richard Kilpatrick.

Gregg had a cousin, his name is Martin Sinclair.

Annie asked, He would be Bella’s second cousin, does he know of his family wealth?

The article only said that he was one of the remaining Kilpatrick heirs, Bella being the other.

Hearing that, Annie picked up her phone and walked outside to talk with Andrew. Sam came running towards her. Life was so different for Sam now. He was no longer restricted to wearing a leash. He ran around but always stayed close to Kate’s home. Andrew told Annie that he would meet her at Kate’s. Andrew felt that this time there should be no secrets, so he called Joshua and the Halperns and told them to meet him at Kate’s.

STRATEGY

When Andrew arrived, everyone was already there except Edward. He greeted Joshua, William, Martha, Bill, and Phillip, and started explaining why they were there. Andrew told them about his meeting with Annabelle two years ago when he was investigating Gregg. As Andrew was talking, Kate started remembering that horrible day in the basement of the hospital. She remembered Gregg’s ranting on and on about his mother.

Kate interrupted Andrew, He said they were so much alike and she was the coldest person he ever met. Everyone could see the fear on Kate’s face as she continued.

She was standing there rubbing her forehead, trying to remember everything said that day. He said something like they were made from the same cloth and that she knew he could take a person’s life. Then Kate put her hands on her throat and started rubbing it. The pearls, the pearls, I remember Gregg had given me the pearls. He told me they were hers. He was so angry when the necklace broke. He was insane by that point. I did have them repaired. I don’t know why I did. I should have just thrown them away. I never believed they were his mother’s because I couldn’t imagine how she could have given them to him. She would not have had them on her in prison. Someone else must have given them to Gregg. If they really were hers, then I wonder who the other person could be.

Annie was surprised by the look on Kate’s face as she talked about the pearls. She wasn’t talking as if she was frightened, and Annie could see she was baffled by the recent appearance of Gregg’s mother.

This was the first time anyone had heard Kate say Gregg’s name since that fatal day. Kate was so strong that she was able to act as though he had never existed. Annie’s thoughts drifted back to a few months ago, when Bella first started saying words. Annie remembered the day when Bella called Edward Dada and she noticed how Kate didn’t say anything. Annie felt like Kate was living in a make believe world, believing that Edward was actually Bella’s father. Kate was erasing every memory of Gregg from her life. She could not take away the truth, though, that Gregg was Bella’s father.

Edward had hinted at marriage, but Kate shied away from the subject. She explained that she needed time, and assured him that is was not because she didn’t love him, because she did. She told him that she felt he was her true love and what she had experienced with Gregg was just a web of deceit and lies. This she was sure of. Kate knew they would marry eventually, but something was holding her back. Everyone knew it was too soon and assumed it was the fear of what she had experienced with Gregg. Kate told Annie that when she and Edward eventually married, she would ask him to legally adopt Bella, thus giving Bella his last name. Kate feared that Bella would find out too early in her life the truth about her real father.

Annie knew that Kate loved Edward. Who wouldn’t? He was perfect; he really was Kate’s best friend. That was something Gregg never was, and Annie saw the difference in this relationship. Annie felt the same way because Andrew was her best friend. Once, Kate was the first person she would call, but now it was Andrew, and she knew it was the same for Kate. It was Edward who she called to comfort her.

Edward also had a great sense of humor. Everyone was always amused because of Edward’s fun loving ways. He and Bill, Kate’s uncle and Edward’s longtime friend, had played so many practical jokes on each other throughout the years. They told stories of what they had done to each other.

The funniest story that Annie had heard happened was when Edward was very young. He had been taking riding lessons at the Halperns’ ranch. One of the mares was giving birth that evening and Bill was away. When Bill returned, he raced to see the foal, but Edward had replaced the foal with a baby donkey. Everyone always laughs when they hear Edward describe the look on Bill’s face when he saw the donkey, and it doesn’t matter how many times they’ve heard the story before. So, that was the start of their lifetime friendship. Bill is fifteen years older than Edward, but no one would ever think it.

Edward was the perfect man for Kate and she knew it. Kate still felt that this chapter of her life was not closed and could not move on with Edward until the past was done. Annie now feared that if Gregg’s mother came into Kate’s life at this time, she would never allow Edward to adopt Bella.

Annie’s focus came back to the conversation as Kate was telling everyone that Lawson was not Gregg’s real name, and how the article spoke about the Kilpatrick family. Bella’s real surname is Kilpatrick, and maybe Annabelle is just like Gregg. It is all about the money. Gregg told me that day he was the last heir to the Kilpatrick fortune. He also said his mother would confirm this once she was out of prison.

William said, Well, she will not be coming anywhere near Bella, I will to see that. He walked over to Kate and put his arm around her shoulders.

Thank you, Grandpa, but I don’t think keeping her away from Bella is the answer. We have to find her and see what her intentions are.

Marion said, Do you think that is wise, dear? The woman murdered Gregg’s father. She is not someone I would want around, and I would feel uncomfortable having her around Bella.

I know, Grandma, but she is her grandmother and there is a part of me that would like to know if she knew about Gregg’s intentions.

Annie was shocked to see Kate like this. She was strong and not afraid. Annie was going to tell them that Samantha had come to her yesterday but decided against it. There was no reason to frighten anyone just yet. Joshua looked over at Andrew and said to him, You could find her if she is out on parole, she has to register with the courts.

Andrew nodded. It should be quite easy to find her. Okay, let’s say I find her, what would all of you like me to do?

William said, Bring her here. She already knows where we live.

Andrew agreed, All right then, I will start bright and early tomorrow.

William and Joshua walked over to Andrew and told him that they would be paying him for his services. Andrew refused, saying they were family and he would not accept any money from either one of them. William bellowed, Then I’ll just have to build your house on the property we’ve already gifted to you.

Andrew looked at the man with amazement and put up his hands. You are not building me a house. I will bill for the hours I work on the case. Joshua and William both laughed.

NEW MAN IN TOWN

At that moment, the doorbell rang and it was Edward. Everyone filled him in on the events of the day. He told Kate how sorry he was, but that he wasn’t able to get away. He told Andrew that he did not want to be left out of anything. He was stepping up as Kate’s protector. Bella saw him and called out Dada as she ran towards him. Everyone smiled as he picked her up and held her in his arms. How they wished he was her father and there was no connection with Gregg Lawson or whatever his name was. Food was ordered, since no one was in the mood to cook, and everyone ate at Kate’s house that evening.

At dinner, Edward was talking about a case that he was presiding over earlier in the day. Edward was an Appellate Judge in the Superior courts. He was the youngest judge to ever be appointed to the bench. He had the greatest respect for Joshua, not only for being Kate’s father, but because of what he had read in the transcripts of the trial. The pain and abuse the man had endured were unimaginable. He looked over at Joshua when everyone was talking about Gregg’s mother. He could see the turmoil on Joshua’s face. Edward could not help thinking that yesterday everyone had felt the nightmare was over, yet today was a new day, with so many new questions about the past.

The conversation went off of Gregg’s mother when Annie and Andrew announced that they would be building a house on the Halpern property. They adamantly told everyone, as they stared at William, that they would be paying for building their own home. Kate ran into the other room and brought out books on homes that she had gone through when she was building her home. It was a great diversion and everyone became involved in the planning of their new home. William was so excited. He loved having both of them around, and was honored that they chose to live near him. Andrew had his own family, and one would have thought that he would have chosen to move closer to them. They lived out in Nassau County in Long Island. Marion knew it was not William and her that they chose to live near. It was Kate. Annie could never live that far away from her. Kate was the only family that Annie had known and now the Halperns were Annie’s family also. Marion knew that women usually moved near their family, not their in-laws.

Annie and Andrew were the first to leave and soon after, everyone followed. As Edward was saying goodnight to Bill, he saw the sadness in Kate’s face. He locked the door and walked over to her and held her hand. I know the events of today have brought up the past and your memories of Gregg. They walked into the kitchen to clean up. As Edward was washing the dishes he said, I’m going to stay with you tonight, you should not be alone. I will never leave you and I’ll protect you from anything or anyone that could cause you any harm.

Kate walked towards him, handing him the dishes as she spoke, I know you will, I just don’t know how to feel about this woman. She is Bella’s grandmother and she is a murderer. I haven’t thought of Gregg in such a long time, but today, I can’t seem to stop… The plate fell from Kate’s hand and she couldn’t finish her sentence. As the plate crashed onto the floor, Kate started crying. Edward went over to her and embraced her as she cried softly in his arms. He held her and let her cry because he knew there were no words that he could say that could take her pain away. Edward loved her and it hurt him to see her crying this way. The fact that Gregg was dead was no comfort to either of them. He knew Kate had to live the rest of her life with the memory of the evil man she had loved. That man was the father of her child, but also the man who had tried to kill her. He wondered if she saw a little bit of Gregg every time she looked at Bella. He felt helpless as she continued to cry.

He told her, Just let it out, you don’t have to be strong for me. He kept giving her little kisses, reassuring her that he was there for her. You need to rest. You need your sleep. This has been a long day for you. He walked Kate into the bedroom and put her to bed. He slept in the guest bedroom. He had never slept over. With Bella in the home, they both felt it wasn’t right because they weren’t married.

On the drive home, Annie expressed how much better she felt involving everyone in their plans.

Andrew asked, Why didn’t you mention Samantha’s message yesterday?

For the same reason you didn’t say anything, and it would have only frightened everyone. They know just as much as we do, except for Samantha’s message. I hope you can find his mother and we can find out what she wants with Kate and Bella. Andrew had stopped at a red light. Annie touched his shoulder and looked at him. You don’t think she is going to try to kill Kate, do you?

Andrew looked at her and said, I hope not. There have been too many murders in this family. I believe they have reached their quota, don’t you? I’ll find her tomorrow, and hopefully we’ll get the answers we are looking for. The sound of his confident voice reassured Annie.

CHAPTER TWO

THE SEARCH

I t was six in the morning when the phone rang. Andrew was still in bed as he rolled over to answer it. He was surprised to hear Edward’s voice on the other end. Edward spoke quickly, I know it’s early, but I thought you would want this information right away. Andrew, I made a few calls and I found Gregg’s mother. She broke her parole by going out of state. We could have her arrested, but I don’t think that would help us find the answers we’re looking for. Andrew agreed with him. Edward gave Andrew the address, which was in Boston. I don’t want Kate to know about my involvement. If you need anything else, please call me.

Andrew went to the computer and booked the earliest flight out to Boston. As he put down the phone, Annie woke up. Who was that and why did they call so early in the morning?

I’m going to Boston. I have an address for Gregg’s mother.

Annie sat up. Who was that, and how did you find out the information so fast?

He laughed. I have friends in high places, and I’m good at my job.

Annie asked again, No, really. It was Edward, wasn’t it?

He laughed again. You’re too smart for your own good, but don’t tell Kate. Edward doesn’t want her to know. I think he may have broken a few rules getting us this information. Annie smirked at him.

I should be back in a few days. I’ll keep you posted. Why don’t you stay with Kate until I get back? I think it would be good for both of you. The two of you could also talk with a builder and go over some of the designs that Kate showed us last night. We need to get started on the house because this apartment is going to be too small once our little girl arrives. He bent down and kissed Annie’s belly.

Annie put her hand on his head as he kissed their baby. I will pack a few things, but promise me you will be careful.

He kissed Annie on her lips. I’m always careful. Believe me, I’ve met the woman and I will be able to see through her lies, he said as he walked into the bathroom to get ready. Andrew was so confident, and he really did have a sixth sense about things.

In the two years that they had been together, Andrew’s business flourished. Andrew’s investigative firm had received a lot of exposure after Kate’s ordeal. Kate’s story had been on the front page of every major newspaper and all of the television news stations had carried it. Andrew and Annie were sort of famous now, and they were interviewed by many journalists. Both of them had even been on television. Andrew was now one of the top private investigators in the Northeast. Annie loved his profession and would always assist him. She had to know everything about every case he was working on. His work was not always dangerous, yet it was always exciting. He had a secretary, a computer analysis, and three apprentices working for him. His apprentices would do all the grunt work. They were all proficient, but each one had their own specialty. Benjamin (Bennie) Klepner was great with research. Two years ago he had been a New York City police officer, but he was hurt in the line of duty. He was receiving partial disability now and could no longer work in the field, but he had many contacts in the police force. His second apprentice, George Booker, was a tough looking man. He was a body builder and provided the brute force that was sometimes needed on certain cases. His third apprentice was only twenty-four years old. His name was Daniel Carroll and he was a lot like Andrew was at that age. He had that sixth sense, also.

Andrew called his office before leaving for Boston to update them on the case he was working on. He asked them to do a background check on Annabelle. He wanted to know everything on her prior to the murder of Gregg’s father. Annie was still in bed watching him juggle everything as he was on the phone. He had already finished packing without her help and was also jotting down notes on his pad. He was doing everything at the same time and then suddenly hung up the phone, zippered his suitcase, and put the pad in his pocket. Off I go, he said as he walked over to kiss Annie again before leaving.

KATE’S GUEST

Annie waited a few hours before calling Kate, asking her if she would mind having a houseguest for a couple of days. Kate told her that Edward had stayed over the night before. Annie joked around and told her that she needed to kick him out of her room. Annie felt relieved yet saddened because life was no longer like it was years before when she had stayed with Kate to protect her. She felt like she was intruding on Kate’s time with Edward.

A very pregnant and uncomfortable Annie arrived with suitcases in hand. She was not carrying her baby the same way Kate had carried Bella. The fifty pounds of extra weight made her feel like a whale, as Annie often mentioned. She would not be working much longer, nor would she be returning to work after the baby was born. The physical discomfort and long hours were no longer good for her or the baby. She was on her feet for over twelve hours on some days. The plan was that she would be working part-time for Andrew, something she enjoyed more than selling perfume. Kate helped her unpack her suitcases. So Andrew is off looking for Gregg’s mother? He is very good, Annie. He only left my house last night and already this morning he’s flying out to Boston.

He had a little help from his friends.

Kate smiled. Edward. I know because I heard him on the phone this morning when he thought I was sleeping. You know me, Annie, after living in that house, I have learned to sleep light.

Me, too, that house, oh, Kate, how did we survive those nights in that house and the light? How it haunted the both of us. Kate, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t joke about it. I shouldn’t even be speaking about it.

Kate looked at her. No, Annie, you’re wrong. It’s something we shared and we can’t pretend it didn’t happen.

Annie was sitting on the bed and patted the mattress for Kate to sit next to her. Kate sat down and listened to Annie. Kate, you are the strongest woman I have ever known. How do you do it? How can you trust anyone again after your ordeal?

It was Joshua. Finding out that Joshua was my father made everything all right. It is strange, but if Gregg had not planned to help Dr. Reisner escape from prison, then the secret of Joshua being my father would have never been revealed.

Annie nodded. Joshua is a wonderful man. He has embraced every one of us with his love. I don’t think there could be another human being as kind as Joshua. His love is utterly pure. When I see him with Bella, and every time she calls him ‘Papa’, I could cry. Kate agreed.

Marion came over to Kate’s to help with the house plans. The women enjoyed a delicious lunch while looking at all the different plans and designs. The dining room table had house plans scattered all over it. The ladies narrowed down their selections before the builder arrived. The planning of building Annie’s home was a great distraction for all of them. No one brought up Annabelle the entire afternoon.

The builder arrived at Kate’s on time. He said that based on the plan selected, he could have the home finished within four to six months. He would submit the designs to the architect and once they received the approvals from the town, he would start construction. The property would be two hundred feet to the left of Kate’s home. The Halperns had gifted Annie and Andrew with two acres of their property on their wedding day.

Andrew called Annie as he landed at the airport to say he had arrived safely. Andrew, we met with the builder and I will be sending the plans to your phone. I hope you love it as much as I do.

I’m sure it’ll be great, and I’ll be in touch after I meet with Annabelle. Andrew was nervous leaving Annie and had tried not to take any cases that would take him far away from her. He wanted to be with Annie during each stage of the pregnancy, and he hadn’t missed one doctor’s appointment. He was driving Annie crazy. If it was up to Andrew, he would have had Annie quit her job the moment they found out she was pregnant.

THE SEARCH FOR ANNABELLE

Andrew was looking at a quaint historic home when he noticed a sign that read Rooms Available. This was apparently where Annabelle was renting a room. When he knocked on the door, an elderly woman opened it and told him that Annabelle had not been there for several days. He left his business card and requested that Annabelle call him upon her return. Andrew went back to the hotel and found that his associates had emailed him information on Annabelle Clifford. He ordered room service and went over the files that were sent to him.

Annabelle Clifford was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and not the wealthy section. Her parents were city workers and she was an only child. Her father died from lung cancer when she was twelve. Her mother remarried when Annabelle was sixteen years old. Annabelle did not graduate from high school, and left home when she was seventeen. She worked as a hostess in a high-end restaurant near Harvard University. There was not much else in the files that was out of the ordinary.

Annie was