Chapter 8 - THE POLICE AT MIDNIGHT
Daniel opened the door only after Dana stood beside him.
Rachel was wrapped in a gray coat. She looked pale and fragile, like someone had coached her carefully.
One officer introduced herself as Officer Kim.
“Ms. Brooks says she lives here and was unlawfully removed from the residence.”
“She doesn’t live here,” Daniel said.
Rachel stared at him. “My belongings are inside.”
“You stayed in the guest room. You have your own apartment.”
“I receive mail here.”
Dana stepped forward. “I’m Mr. Brooks’s attorney. Ms. Brooks is welcome to arrange a supervised pickup of personal belongings tomorrow. She is not entering tonight.”
Rachel’s face tightened.
Officer Kim asked, “Any reason she should not have contact with the children?”
Daniel looked directly at Rachel.
“Yes.”
Rachel’s eyes flashed.
Daniel showed the officer photographs of Noah’s notebook, the scripted hearing answers, and the unplugged camera cables. He played a short section of the recording.
Rachel interrupted.
“He’s manipulating the children because he knows the court is finally going to see what kind of father he is.”
From the staircase came a small voice.
“That’s not true.”
Noah stood halfway down in dinosaur pajamas.
Daniel turned. “Buddy, go back upstairs.”
“No.”
Rachel immediately softened her face.
“Noah, sweetheart—”
“Don’t call me that.”
Officer Kim raised a hand. “Nobody needs to question him right now.”
Noah looked at Daniel.
“She has my tablet.”
Rachel stopped breathing for half a second.
Daniel saw it.
“What’s on the tablet?” he asked.
Noah swallowed.
“Messages.”
Rachel said quickly, “He’s confused.”
Noah pointed at her coat pocket.
“She took it when she left.”
Officer Kim turned to Rachel.
“Ma’am, do you have the child’s tablet?”
“No.”
A notification sound came from Rachel’s pocket.
Noah looked at Daniel.
“That’s my game sound.”
May you like
Officer Kim held out her hand.
“Ms. Brooks, please show me what’s in your pocket.”
