Chapter Two: The Evidence
Lily's cracked phone was still recording in my pocket.
I pulled it out and held it up so everyone could see the glowing screen.
"You know what this is?" I asked.
Richard's face went pale.
"You don't have—that's private property. You can't use that as—"
"Evidence?" I finished. "Funny. Usually, when innocent people talk about evidence, they don't sound so desperate."
The Chief shifted uncomfortably. "Now, Arthur, let's not jump to conclusions. We don't know what's on that recording—"
"We know exactly what's on it," I cut him off. "We know she called me for help. We know she was screaming when he hit her. We know you were outside enjoying your barbecue while my daughter was being beaten inside."
"I didn't hear anything—"
"Because you didn't want to hear anything."
The guests had stopped pretending to ignore what was happening. Men in expensive suits drifted closer. Women in pastel dresses clutched their children protectively.
Richard's mother stepped between me and the Chief.
"This has gone far enough," she announced. "Arthur, you're clearly unstable. You've been alone too long. You don't understand how wealthy families operate."
"Enlighten me."
"We protect what's ours," she said coldly. "Lily chose to marry my son. She knew what she was signing up for. And now you—"
"I don't care about your money."
"Then what do you want?"
May you like
I held up Lily's phone.
"I want the truth."
