Chapter 7 - Finley’s photograph
The old photograph had writing on the back.
Evelyn’s handwriting.
If I cannot reach him myself, give this to Merrick Halstead. He will know this was taken at Lake Arden, June 18.
I knew.
Lake Arden.
Private trip.
No press.
No family.
Only Evelyn and me.
That made the photograph authentication meaningful.
Finley had another item.
A hospital bracelet.
Damaged.
Name partially readable:
E. HALST...
Blood type sticker:
O+.
Thomas photographed it.
Police preserved it.
Could the bracelet prove everything?
No.
But it linked Evelyn to Jane Doe 17.
Then Finley said during forensic interview:
“Mom said Maude lies.”
How did he know Maude?
Photograph.
Evelyn showed him.
Why now?
Because Evelyn had finally discovered the death certificate.
Her own.
She had never seen it.
A legal clinic helping with Finley’s school registration found that Evelyn Halstead was legally recorded dead.
That made her realize:
Maybe Merrick had not rejected her.
Maybe he truly believed she died.
May you like
Then she began gathering records.
And Maude learned.
