Chapter 9 - The Locks on My Door
I sent the messages to Rebecca and Detective Brooks.
Brooks advised me to preserve them and call emergency services if anyone threatened or approached me.
I stayed with a friend that night.
In the morning, the lock on my apartment door had fresh scratches.
Nothing inside appeared disturbed.
But the building superintendent confirmed that someone had tried a key that didn't fit.
I documented everything and requested a lock change.
My mother called during the locksmith's visit.
"Ryan wants to apologize," she said.
"For what?"
"For getting upset."
"Tell him to speak to his lawyer."
"You're making enemies out of people who love you."
I looked at the fresh marks beside the deadbolt.
"People who love me don't threaten me."
She hung up.
At Rebecca's office, we reviewed the county's family-placement process.
I completed background checks, references, and a home assessment request despite the allegation hanging over me.
Rebecca explained that exoneration in one investigation wouldn't automatically grant me custody.
The court would consider Paige's safety, her needs, and the available evidence.
"I want her safe," I said.
"Then keep doing exactly that," Rebecca answered.
Later, Detective Brooks met with us and shared one significant development.
Investigators had obtained a recording from the Friday visit.
Linda had activated a voice-memo app before entering Kate's house because she was preparing to discuss her cosmetics business.
She forgot to stop it when the conversation turned to Paige.
The recording did not capture the injury happening.
But it captured the argument afterward.
A man's voice said, "If somebody asks, she fell at Ally's."
Another voice protested, "She hasn't even been there yet."
Brooks did not play more.
He didn't need to.
The words were enough to make the room spin.
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They had selected my home as the place where the injury would be blamed before Kate ever knocked on my door.
