Chapter 6 - The Other Camera
Greer arrived at the hospital with a travel wheelchair, two coffees, and a phone number written on a pharmacy receipt.
“Personal injury attorney,” she said. “Not the company's lawyer. You need someone whose job is to protect you.”
An orthopedic resident came in while she was unfolding the chair. He explained that the fracture needed careful stabilization, and the surgical team wanted to reassess swelling before operating. He was willing to discharge me later with strict instructions, but he was not enthusiastic about me traveling back to the estate.
“I have to retrieve something,” I told him.
“Then send your friend.”
I almost agreed. Instead, I asked whether there was any medical reason I couldn't make a short trip if I kept my leg supported and returned immediately. He went through the risks, gave instructions, and made me promise not to stand.
At 8:03 another text came from the unknown number.
I was filming for the videographer. Bellamy stood right behind me. I didn't realize it was deliberate until I checked the clip. Please don't tell the family I sent it.
I wrote back: Thank you. Did you keep the original?
Yes. Two camera files. I can talk to your lawyer.
His name was Arlo Case, a twenty-three-year-old assistant paid to film pretty moments and capture candid reactions. Bellamy had positioned him directly opposite the stairs, insisting that “something hilarious” might happen during the entrance.
That detail chilled me. Sloan had claimed the heel catch was an accident, then called it a joke. Bellamy had expected an audience before anyone fell.
Greer read the messages over my shoulder.
“Don't ask him to do anything else,” she said. “Let your lawyer handle the originals.”
May you like
I watched the morning sun brighten the hospital window. I wanted every witness to be braver than I had ever been. But Arlo had a job to lose, too.
The first thing my family had always demanded from people was silence. I was beginning to see how much silence cost.
