Chapter 3: The Truth Comes Out
Sarah welcomed Detective Morgan with visible annoyance.
"I already explained everything."
The detective remained calm.
"I'd still like to hear it again."
"It was discipline."
"Did you lock the door?"
"Yes."
"Were you aware your nephew was crying for help?"
"He needed to calm down."
"Were you aware the basement temperature was below fifty degrees?"
Sarah hesitated.
"I... didn't think it mattered."
Detective Morgan said nothing.
She simply requested permission to review the home's security cameras.
Sarah agreed immediately.
Confident.
Too confident.
The footage told a different story.
It showed Noah crying quietly after another child mocked him.
It showed Sarah grabbing his wrist.
Dragging him toward the basement.
It showed him begging.
"I don't want to go down there."
She opened the door.
Pushed him inside.
Locked it.
Then...
She walked away smiling.
Not angry.
Not emotional.
Simply satisfied.
The detective stopped the video.
"You told me you checked on him."
Sarah stared at the screen.
"I..."
"The cameras show you never returned."
Silence.
Her husband slowly sat down on the couch.
His face had turned completely white.
"You lied."
Sarah looked at him desperately.
"I was trying to teach him a lesson."
May you like
Her husband whispered,
"He's eight."
