“My name is Christopher Halvorsen,” he told the operator. “I have found an infant hidden inside a wall in my house. She is alive but in critical condition. I need paramedics and police immediately.”
The operator hesitated, shocked, but then assured him help was on the way.
Christopher carried the baby into Oliver’s nursery, wrapped her in a warm blanket, and sat in the rocking chair, holding her close to his heart. She instinctively leaned into the warmth, her small fingers curling around his shirt.
When he returned to the hallway, Victoria sat with her head bowed.
“What is her name,” he asked.
Victoria’s voice was barely audible. “Her name is Grace.”
Christopher swallowed hard. “Is she my daughter,” he asked.
Victoria shook her head slowly. “No,” she whispered. “She is mine. But not with you.”
The words struck like lightning. Christopher stood frozen, waiting for the truth.