Chapter 14 - WHAT LILY REMEMBERED
Lily’s formal interview took place in a child advocacy center with Daniel watching from another room.
He was not allowed to interrupt.
That was almost unbearable.
The interviewer asked simple questions.
What happens when Daddy goes to work?
Lily twisted a bracelet around her wrist.
“Grandma comes.”
What happens then?
“Mommy changes.”
How?
“She says we have to practice.”
Practice what?
“Being scared of Daddy.”
Daniel covered his mouth.
The interviewer stayed calm.
Did Daddy scare you?
Lily shook her head.
“No.”
Then why did they practice?
“Grandma said judges only help sad kids.”
Daniel looked away.
When the interview ended, Lily ran into his arms.
“I told.”
“You did.”
“Am I bad?”
“No.”
He held her tightly.
“You were brave.”
That afternoon, Margaret made bail before prosecutors could add the new financial charges.
Police notified Daniel immediately.
The no-contact order remained in place.
Daniel changed the locks anyway.
At 11:42 that night, his backyard motion light came on.
He checked the camera.
A hooded figure stood near the fence.
Daniel called 911 and stayed upstairs with Lily.
The figure moved toward the kitchen door.
Then Mr. Alvarez’s floodlight snapped on from next door.
The person ran.
Police found no one.
But near the fence, they discovered a small envelope.
Inside was a photograph of Lily sleeping in her bedroom.
Taken from inside the house.
May you like
On the back were four words.
You still don’t understand.
