10
Grissom sat in an interrogation room across from Mr. Sims with his head hung. The letter Sandy had left sat on the table in front of him. He knew Sara was listening on the other side of the mirror, and only hoped she'd still be there when he finished.
"Dr. Grissom, I know this is a shock to you."
"Please, drop the Doctor, okay?"
"Okay. I know this is a shock to you. But your daughter needs you right now. She's only four and she's scared."
"Does she even know who I am?"
"Yes. Sandra made sure to tell her about you. She has a picture of you on her nightstand."
"How do you know that?"
"Because Sandra's my wife."
Grissom raised his head and with wide eyes, "Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but you look pretty distraught."
"But, if you're her husband, why didn't she leave custody to you?"
"Sandra and I didn't get married until after your daughter was one. The birth certificate has your name on it. Therefore, I couldn't adopt her because you'd have to give up your parental rights. Sandy couldn't bring herself to tell you. So, Sara belongs to you."
"Sara?"
"That's your daughter's name."
Grissom shot a look at the mirror. "Did she ever tell you why she named her that?"
"Yes." Nodding toward the mirror, he asked, "Is she the one?"
"Yes."
"She didn't know?"
"No."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. It's mine."
"How much time will you need?"
Grissom finally turned from the mirror, "For what?"
"To come pick up Sara. I don't mean to be rude, but this had been hard enough for me. I'd like to get this over with."
"I understand. Uh, when would be good for you?"
"Could you come by tomorrow? I could have her ready by noon."
"Uh…sure. I guess I don't have much of a choice."
"Thank you." He slid another envelope across the table. "Sandy left this for you, too. It's all of Sara's medical information and her likes and dislikes. Our address is on the top of the letter. I'll see you tomorrow."