Free Hidden in the Heart by Catherine West Page B

out your medical history or even connecting with your birth family will change a thing. But if it’s something you need to do, for yourself, to help you get through this time in your life, then I think you should.”
    “Thanks.” Claire enjoyed the little victory. It had been a long time since Melanie had taken her side over anything. “I never thought I’d actually get to the point where I’d search. I didn’t really know I could.”
    “How did you even know where to start?”
    Claire stifled a yawn. “I ran into Amanda…something or other, before Christmas. Remember her from school? Anyway, she found her birth mother. She told me to check with Social Services. I have the right to request my non-identifying information. I went to the DCF offices in Hartford and filled out the paperwork.”
    “And that’s when they contacted your birth mother?”
    “Yeah. Whoever she is.” Claire leaned her head against the chair and closed her eyes. Another hangover was tapping at her temples. Of course the alternative was getting drunk and passing out again. Gaining a few more pain free hours.
    But sooner or later the anguish would return.
    “I’m sorry, Claire.” Melanie’s sincerity hung on the words.
    Claire pulled at a strand of her hair and studied the fire. She’d brought Mel out here in the middle of the night, in her condition, and her friend was still on her side. What kind of person was she becoming? Guilt and remorse picked up placards and picketed around her heart. “Thanks, Mel. And thanks for coming over. I…I’m really sorry I called you.” Claire shrugged. “I thought…I guess I figured this would go differently. I never realized there was no hope of ever getting answers.”
    “It doesn’t seem fair.”
    Claire nodded, but the reality of the situation drove the point home. “I guess it’s perfectly fair if you’re on the other side of the fence. And I have to admit, I never considered that.”
    “Never considered what?”
    “That she wouldn’t want to be found.”

Chapter Seven
    Claire shielded her eyes against the Sunday afternoon sun and looked toward the stables. The dogs bounded across the lush green lawn, happy to be outside after intermittent thunderstorms. Spring had firmly settled across the state in splendor, cloaked the grounds in crocuses, daffodils and tulips. Her sneakers crunched on the gravel path as she walked, rehearsing what she needed to say.
    Her father had returned late the previous evening. She’d pretended to be asleep. But she couldn’t put this off any longer. She walked past the stalls and breathed in the scent of hay and horses. It had been a long time since she’d come down here. Forever since she’d actually ridden. They’d sold her own horse a long time ago.
    Dad stood behind Mojo, his favorite stallion. Hesitation crossed his face as he looked up and saw her watching him. He gave the horse’s rump a pat and moved out of the stall. “Claire. You all right?”
    Claire shrugged. “Sure.” Melanie still hadn’t delivered and would be induced tomorrow. She and Dad shared a quiet breakfast earlier, with few words. Claire fiddled with the chain around her neck, nerves muddling her thoughts. “Dad, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something.”
    He came to where she stood, questions in his eyes. “Well, that’s interesting. I have something I need to talk to you about as well.”
    “Okay. You go first then.” Claire slipped her arm through his and they took the gravel path around the pond. The grounds of the estate buzzed with activity as the landscapers mowed lawns and tended to the flowerbeds. He probably wanted to have her committed. Or sent off to Europe—indefinitely.
    That wouldn’t be so bad. They had Starbucks there too.
    They sat together on the old wooden bench beside the pond. The smell of freshly cut grass hung in the air. Claire inhaled and allowed herself a smile. But the ache in her heart soon returned and shrouded her day in