CHAPTER 4 — The Mother the World Admired
The front doors swung open.
Victoria entered with two expensive lawyers and two Child Protective Services investigators.
She wasn't crying.
She wasn't frightened.
She was smiling.
"Nathan has suffered a mental breakdown," she announced calmly.
"He became violent after returning from Europe."
She reached into her handbag and produced a folder.
"I've documented months of emotional instability."
One investigator looked toward Nathan.
"Mr. Harrington, we'll need to ask you a few questions."
Nathan nodded.
"Of course."
He turned toward Marcus.
"Play the videos."
The living room lights dimmed.
The hidden-camera footage filled the eighty-inch television.
Victoria's smile disappeared.
The investigators watched silently as she dragged Emma down the basement stairs.
As she struck Liam across the face.
As she locked Jacob alone in complete darkness for crying.
No one spoke.
The final video ended.
The room was deathly quiet.
One investigator slowly closed her notebook.
"Mrs. Harrington..."
"You are under investigation for aggravated child abuse."
Victoria pointed at the television.
"Those videos were edited!"
Nathan calmly slid another folder across the table.
"The footage has already been authenticated by state forensic analysts."
"The originals were submitted to the police two hours ago."
Outside...
Police sirens echoed through the estate.
May you like
Victoria finally realized...
there was nowhere left to run.
