table.
My brothers remained where they were.
Daniel closed his folder.
Marcus gathered the financial documents.
Ethan paused the security footage on the exact frame showing Vanessa’s hand around Sophie’s wrist.
Then someone knocked firmly at the front door.
Derek stopped pacing.
For the first time that evening, he looked uncertain.
Two officers entered first, followed by a female officer who introduced herself and asked where Sophie was.
“Upstairs,” I said. “She’s eight.”
The officer nodded.
“Is she safe right now?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll speak with her with you present.”
