Chapter 10 - Why Leave Lila in the House?
This question mattered.
If Adrian planned to flee, why remain with Lila?
Because Adrian needed normality.
A missing father with an abandoned four-year-old produces immediate crisis.
A missing father whose brother says:
“I’m caring for my niece until he comes back”
can look temporarily manageable.
Adrian had no legal custody order.
He did have Caleb’s signed childcare authorization from months earlier for emergencies.
Preschool recognized him as approved pickup.
Doctors could contact Caleb.
Police saw an adult relative present.
Nothing about that arrangement allowed Adrian to become Lila’s parent permanently.
But it bought time.
He used that time to access company records.
Destroy some documents.
Move money.
May you like
And pressure Caleb.
He also underestimated Lila.
