Detective Chen connected the memory card to an evidence laptop.
A patrol officer activated a body camera before the first file was opened.
Michael stood on one side of the small consultation room.
Evelyn and Daniel sat opposite him with a hospital security guard behind them.
The recording began with Lily singing to herself.
Her tiny voice filled the room.
She was making Miss Button promise not to be scared of thunderstorms.
A cabinet door opened.
Clara asked Evelyn where the pantry key was.
“Lily needs breakfast,” Clara said.
Evelyn’s answer came cold and clear through the speakers.
“Lily needs discipline.
So do you.”
Clara told her she had no right to lock food away.
Evelyn replied that every item in the house had been purchased with Michael’s money and that Clara had contributed nothing of value.
Michael closed his eyes.
Clara had left a successful design career after Lily developed recurring respiratory problems.
It had been a decision they made together.
Evelyn had always described it as laziness.
On the recording, Lily asked for toast.
Evelyn told her there would be no food until her mother apologized.
A doorbell sounded.
Footsteps crossed the kitchen.
Daniel entered.
“Did the transfers clear?” he asked.
“All three,” Evelyn replied.
“Eighty-four thousand.”
Daniel laughed softly.
“Then the watch was worth it.”
