Chapter 7 - A Family That Rehearsed Its Lies
I read Megan's statement on the steps outside Nora's office.
She described herself as a frightened aunt trying to protect her parents.
She said Lily was unharmed and my reaction was irrational.
She claimed that I had approached her aggressively before the incident.
The order of events was wrong in every important way.
Nora instructed me not to confront Megan.
"We address sworn claims with records and testimony," she said.
"We don't let her choose the battlefield."
She contacted the relevant parties through proper channels to request preservation of the complete camera footage.
We prepared the urgent-care documentation and the messages Megan had already sent.
That afternoon, Daniel arrived at Rachel's building carrying a large pink stuffed bear.
I met him in the lobby while Rachel stayed upstairs with Lily.
He looked exhausted.
For a moment, I wanted to touch his face.
Then he spoke.
"If you withdraw the report, maybe Mom will let everyone come over for Christmas."
The longing vanished.
"You think Christmas is the problem?"
He looked toward the elevator.
"I don't want Lily caught in the middle."
"Then stop putting her there."
He told me his parents were afraid I would ruin Megan's reputation.
I asked him whether he was afraid Lily would remember the slap.
He stared at the floor.
"She'll forget it if you let her."
I felt something settle into place.
He thought peace meant silence because silence had served him all his life.
I told him he could give Lily the bear if we arranged an appropriate visit, but I wouldn't trade her safety for family access.
When he left, he looked smaller than I had ever seen him.
That night, Lily said she didn't want the bear.
"Daddy bought it because Aunt Megan was mean," she said.
I didn't contradict her.
The next day, Rachel received a message from an old acquaintance who had once worked for Patricia.
"I saw the Thanksgiving video," the woman wrote.
"Your friend needs to know they used that camera before."
The message included an address and a time.
It also included a warning.
May you like
"Do not tell Daniel I'm meeting you."
