Chapter 14 - THE DARK COAT AT THE BUS STATION
Transit footage showed the mysterious woman boarding a bus two counties away. Her hood concealed her face, but she walked with a slight left-leg weakness documented in Carol’s medical file.
She bought two tickets.
No second passenger appeared beside her.
Investigators considered whether Diane traveled separately or whether Carol expected someone. The destination was a town near Claire’s childhood summer camp.
Search teams found an empty cabin containing canned food, medical supplies, and a box of letters addressed to Daniel.
The letters spanned five years. Early ones accused him of causing the crash. Later ones questioned Diane’s account. The newest said:
I remember the argument. You did not follow me. Thomas found me. Diane said she needed time before telling you. Time became the lock.
None had been mailed.
Handwriting experts found gradual improvement consistent with neurological recovery. The letters did not prove authorship without comparison to a current sample.
One page addressed Eli:
I am sorry adults made you carry my memory. You never had to make me your mother for me to know you were my son.
Daniel wanted to show him. The child advocate said not yet. A possible letter from a missing woman should not create another burden before authentication.
Outside the cabin, police found fresh tire tracks belonging to Diane’s car.
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Diane claimed it had been stolen.
She reported the theft only after investigators called.
