The search lasted forty minutes.
They discovered a hidden lockbox in Daniel’s office. Inside were insurance letters, a burner phone, and printed emails between him and Margaret discussing “timing.” They also uncovered receipts for imported sedatives Margaret purchased using her sister’s name.
But the worst discovery came from the freezer in the garage.
A formula container sealed inside plastic.
Margaret sat down the moment detectives carried it inside.
Daniel started sweating.
“That isn’t ours,” he said quickly.
I lifted my phone. “It contains both your fingerprints and hers. I had it tested after Noah’s first seizure—before the two of you switched the cans.”
His mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
Margaret recovered first. Evil usually does.
She stood tall, chin lifted defiantly. “You can’t prove intent. Babies die. Mothers fail. Everyone knows she was careless.”
Maya looked toward me. “Claire, the chapel footage?”
I connected my phone to the television.
Margaret’s voice filled the living room.
“God took them because He knew what kind of mother you were.”
Then came the slap.
The impact.
Then the threat.
“Stay quiet, or you’ll join them.”
Nobody moved.
For the first time since I met her, Margaret looked small.
Daniel lunged toward the remote. One detective grabbed him instantly and twisted his arm behind his back.
“You set me up!” Daniel shouted.
I stared at the man I once loved.
