“Your son? I thought—” “Vic didn’t know.” She shrugged, then blew her nose. “I gave my baby up for adoption when I was fifteen. Even though I’d been raped, my parents kept my pregnancy a secret. They sent me away. Imagine finding my son right here in Louisville.” “Why the secrecy?” Sally asked. “His adoptive parents are insecure. They’re in their seventies and not in good health. He doesn’t want them upset.” “They didn’t tell him he was adopted?” “Yes. But even though he’s older than you, Joey, when he wanted to find me, they didn’t approve. Also, I hadn’t told Vic. So we’ve kept things low key.” “So why are you telling us about him now?” Joe asked. “Because he’s all I have now. And I’m not hiding anymore.” “Is he married?” Sally asked. “Do you have grandchildren?” “He’s engaged to be married. I’m invited to the wedding, but—” “Not as mother of the groom, right?” She nodded at Sally. “It’s okay. I gave up all my rights when I was fifteen.”
