Chapter 5 - Mother’s Favorite Lunch
Vivian arrived twelve minutes early.
Daniel returned five minutes after her.
He inspected my face and immediately saw the bruises were still visible.
His expression tightened.
“Why aren’t you wearing the makeup?”
“I was waiting for you.”
That was when he shoved the bag into my hands.
By the time I reached for the recorder, it had already captured every word.
Daniel ordering me to hide the bruises.
Vivian dismissing them.
Their anger when I refused.
Then Vivian noticed the roast was not on the table.
“Where is lunch?”
“Waiting.”
“For what?”
The elevator bell sounded outside.
Daniel looked toward the front door.
“Who did you invite?”
I did not answer.
The door opened.
Detective Ortiz entered first with another officer.
Miriam followed carrying a sealed document case.
Daniel’s face changed so completely that he looked younger.
Not innocent.
Smaller.
Vivian rose from her chair.
“What is this?”
Lena looked at my injuries.
Then at the makeup bag.
“Mrs. Cole, are you in immediate danger?”
Daniel stepped between us.
“This is a private marital misunderstanding.”
The recorder remained inside my fist.
May you like
I pressed the stop button.
“No,” I said. “It’s evidence.”
