“I am not here in an official capacity,” he began gently. “I came because I believe that perhaps… there is a connection between us that neither of us expected.”
Marina blinked. “What do you mean?”
He handed her an old photograph. It showed a young man who looked unmistakably like a younger version of him. Beside him stood a young woman who looked shockingly like Marina, except with a different hairstyle. Around the woman’s neck was the same pendant Marina had worn her entire life.
“My mother never spoke of my father,” Marina whispered, trembling.
“I know,” he replied. “She left my life before I ever knew she was expecting a child. I never knew what happened to her after.”
Before Marina could respond, the door opened again. A woman with sharp intelligence in her eyes entered, carrying a stack of documents, her expression firm.
“My name is Raisa Fenwick. I specialize in cases of domestic and institutional abuse. Judge Callister contacted me because your situation requires immediate intervention.”
Marina straightened slightly. “What situation?”