Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN NAMED CAROL WELLS
The sealed declaration belonged to Carol Wells, not Claire Walker.
Carol had lived at a private neurological facility after a serious car accident. Thomas Walker represented her in a guardianship proceeding and swore she had no known family.
Her medical file described facial scarring, memory loss, and a recurring belief that she had a husband named Daniel and a baby called Eli.
Diane had paid Carol’s expenses through the Walker Family Care account.
Hannah said Carol was a distant cousin whose delusions resembled Claire’s life because Diane spoke about the family during visits.
“Then why bring Eli to her?” Daniel demanded.
Hannah admitted Diane believed seeing a child might restore Carol’s real memories. Hannah attended twice and stopped after Eli became frightened.
“You kept taking him to Mom’s house.”
“I believed she stopped the sessions.”
Daniel wanted to believe her. Bank statements showed Hannah bought medical supplies delivered to Diane three weeks earlier.
She claimed they were for her mother’s arthritis.
Rebecca obtained Carol’s facility discharge papers. Diane removed her eighteen months ago under a guardianship transfer signed by Hannah.
Hannah’s signature was genuine.
“Carter is a common name,” Hannah said weakly. “Carol repeated your name for years. Mom thought controlled exposure might reveal why.”
Daniel looked at Claire’s photograph. “Did anyone compare DNA?”
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Diane had refused testing on Carol’s behalf, citing bodily autonomy.
That was a legitimate right—unless the guardian refusing was hiding the person’s identity.
