PART 2 — “THE TRUTH THAT DESTROYED HIM”
Alejandro’s hands trembled as he opened the encrypted file.
The photo loaded slowly.
When the image finally appeared on his screen, the air left his lungs in one brutal strike.
It wasn’t a picture of Carmen.
It was a hospital record from nine months ago.
Patient: Carmen Garza Date of Admission: March 12 Diagnosis: Twin pregnancy, 32 weeks, severe malnutrition and dehydration Note: Patient arrived on foot after walking 14 kilometers. No money. No ID. Refused to give father’s name.
Below the medical report was another photo — taken secretly by the investigator.
Carmen lying on a hospital bed, pale and exhausted, holding two tiny newborns against her chest. Her eyes were closed, but tears were still visible on her cheeks. On the small table beside her bed sat a single plastic bag containing all her belongings: a few diapers, one bottle, and the gold and emerald cross that had supposedly been “stolen” from his grandmother.
The same cross Valeria claimed Carmen had hidden in her drawer.
Alejandro felt the room spin.
