Two officers stepped inside, followed by a social worker holding a folder.
The flashing patrol lights painted shifting shadows across the carefully decorated living room.
“Are you Victor Hayes?” one officer asked.
“Yes,” Victor replied. “I sent the footage.”
The officer nodded while his partner kept an eye on Natalie.
“Mrs. Natalie Hayes,” the officer said calmly, “we need you to come with us regarding a report of possible child abuse.”
Natalie forced a shaky laugh.
“This is ridiculous. Kids make things up.”
The social worker opened the folder.
“We’ve already reviewed the videos.”
Natalie fell silent.
The room became unbearably quiet.
“Please place your hands behind your back,” the officer said.
Natalie stepped backward, staring desperately at Victor.
“Tell them this is insane,” she pleaded. “You know I’d never hurt Chloe.”
Victor looked at her for a long moment.
The woman standing there no longer looked like the person he had once trusted.
“All the evidence is there,” he said quietly. “I’ve seen it myself.”
The handcuffs clicked into place.
Natalie protested louder as the officers led her outside.
“It was just discipline!”
The police car drove away, leaving a heavy silence behind.