Chapter 10 - The Third Story
"Which version is she using now?" I asked.
"She says she dropped the skillet because Emma startled her," Brooks said. "That differs from the written statement sent to the family and from her first interview."
I let out a breath. "She's trying to find a story that fits the injuries."
"Possibly. But I need to document the differences, not guess why."
The detective had a way of making ordinary honesty sound braver than shouting. I was learning from her.
A few hours later Dad asked to meet without Mom. Tess suggested the public library, where I could leave whenever I wanted. He arrived looking as though he hadn't slept.
"The pan was on the floor when you came down," he began. "I didn't see it leave Vanessa's hand. But when I heard the crash, she was standing over Emma. And I heard her say, 'That's what happens when you won't listen.'"
My throat tightened. "Why didn't you say that in the hospital?"
"Your mother told me the girls would be taken away if I spoke."
"Emma was already taken away. On a stretcher."
He looked down at his wedding ring. "I know."
I pushed a pen across the table. "Tell the detective. Not me."
"There's more." He took a printout from his pocket. It was an account activity page for the kitchen camera. At 8:12, someone had selected MANUAL PRIVACY MODE on the home tablet. The account showed Patricia Hale as the active user.
"Your mom says she was protecting Vanessa from another argument being recorded," Dad said.
"Did she know Vanessa would hurt Emma?"
"I don't think so. But she knew Vanessa was angry. She knew you were upstairs. And she turned off the one thing that might've shown the truth."
He reached for the printout, then stopped when he saw my expression.
"Keep it," he said. "I haven't told Patricia I printed it."
May you like
Across the library, a phone began ringing. Dad glanced at his screen and went pale.
It was Mom. Her text said: I KNOW YOU'RE WITH RACHEL. DON'T YOU DARE GIVE HER THAT PAGE.
