Chapter 2: Every Camera Tells a Story
Saint Matthew Medical Center was placed under immediate lockdown.
Outside the emergency operating suite, Daniel hadn't changed clothes.
Evelyn's blood still stained the cuff of his navy suit.
Doctors disappeared behind swinging doors while machines beeped beyond the walls.
Every second felt endless.
An investigator approached carrying a tablet.
"Mr. Hayes."
Daniel looked up.
"We recovered footage from the courthouse security system."
"Show me."
The video played.
Camera One.
Evelyn climbing the stairs slowly.
Camera Two.
Guests making room for her.
Camera Three.
A woman in a cream blazer stepped behind Evelyn.
Too close.
Almost touching.
The footage froze.
"There."
The investigator enlarged the frame.
A perfectly manicured hand.
One deliberate shove.
Not enough to look violent.
Just enough.
Evelyn lost her balance.
Then gravity finished the crime.
Daniel's jaw tightened until the muscles trembled.
"Who is she?"
The investigator hesitated.
"You know her."
The image sharpened.
Victoria Langford.
State senator.
Family friend.
Godmother to Daniel's oldest daughter.
Daniel stared without blinking.
"No..."
The investigator nodded slowly.
"We've already confirmed the blazer she wore today is missing one pearl button."
Daniel opened his palm.
The button rested there.
Perfectly matching.
At that exact moment, the operating room doors opened.
The obstetric surgeon removed her mask.
"Mr. Hayes..."
Daniel stood instantly.
"Your sister survived."
He closed his eyes in relief.
"But..."
May you like
The doctor's expression grew serious.
"She remembers everything."
