Chapter 3 - THE ACCUSATION
Daniel stood in the hospital doorway, pointing at me while Lily trembled beneath her pink blanket.
“What did you do to her?”
The question cut through the room with the precision of something prepared in advance.
I flinched but did not answer. Lily buried her face against my shoulder. Dr. Harris held the X-ray between us, while Detectives Owens and Miller watched from beside the glass door.
“These were not swallowed by accident,” Dr. Harris said.
Daniel’s anger sharpened. “Claire works from home. She leaves craft supplies everywhere. I’ve warned her.”
“We do not own magnets like those.”
“My mother told me you bought educational toys online.”
Eleanor stood behind him in a cream suit, one hand pressed near her mouth. She had arrived quietly enough that I had not noticed her until then.
“We should focus on Lily,” she said, avoiding my eyes. “This is already traumatic.”
Detective Miller looked at her. “You were with the child yesterday afternoon?”
“For an hour or two. Claire came home before dinner.”
“Did Lily eat anything?”
“Normal snacks.”
Daniel stepped closer to me.
“You were alone with her afterward.”
There was no hesitation in his accusation. No confusion. He had entered the hospital already knowing which story he wanted everyone to accept.
I looked down at Lily. Her small fingers were wrapped around my wrist.
Then I turned toward Detective Owens.
“Our dining room has a security camera. It records every afternoon.”
Daniel stopped moving.
Eleanor’s hand fell from her mouth.
“Please,” I said. “Watch everything.”
May you like
Detective Miller took my phone and opened the security application. I expected the footage to prove Lily had never touched a craft kit while I was present.
I did not expect Eleanor to appear on the screen carrying a velvet pouch.
