Then Claire found the silver watch. It was in the top drawer of Daniel’s desk, inside a folded receipt from a gas station dated the day before he accused Ava. Officer Jenkins photographed it, bagged it, and looked at Claire with the same expression she had seen on Marisol’s face. Horror, but controlled.
He said, “This matters.” Claire nodded. For the first time since the salon, she felt something besides fear. She felt the beginning of proof turning into protection.
News travels strangely in suburban towns. By Monday morning, people at Ava’s school knew something had happened, though not exactly what. The principal called Claire and said Daniel had emailed the school claiming Claire was unstable and keeping Ava from him out of spite. Claire forwarded the protective order and police contact information. The principal’s tone changed immediately. Daniel was removed from the approved pickup list and school security was notified.
