I believed neither of them.
The camera had local storage.
When the internet returned, it uploaded.
Every time.
Captain Ruiz opened a tablet.
“I need everyone to remain where they are.”
Audrey’s voice came out higher than before.
“What is this supposed to prove?”
Ruiz pressed play.
The first clip began in the nursery.
Sophia stood by the crib, exhausted, hair tied back, robe loose over her shoulders. Leo cried in the background.
My mother entered.
No robe then.
Just a cream cardigan and slacks.
Sophia said something the camera did not catch clearly.
My mother slapped her.
The sound filled the room.
My hands curled once.
Then opened.
Calm.
Stay calm.
On the screen, Sophia stumbled back against the dresser.
My mother leaned close and spoke clearly enough for the camera to hear.
“You are a guest in this family.”
Audrey looked away.
My mother did not.
Ruiz played the next clip.
