“My back,” she whispered. “It’s been hurting for days. Mom said it was just an accident.”
His stomach tightened. He crouched down so they were eye level. “You can tell me the truth. I will always listen.”
Ava’s hands trembled. “Mom said if I told you… she’d say I was lying. She said grown-ups believe other grown-ups.”
Daniel felt a chill. “I believe you. What happened?”
She stared at the carpet. “She got mad because I didn’t finish my dinner. She came into my room yelling… she grabbed my arm and pushed me. My back hit the closet handle. It hurt really bad.”
He forced himself to stay calm. “Did she take you to a doctor?”
“She went to the drugstore. She said I fell while playing. She put medicine on it and wrapped it tight. She told me not to take it off.”
“Can I see?”
Ava nodded and carefully lifted her shirt.
Daniel’s breath caught. The bandages were dirty and discolored. Beneath them, bruises spread in deep shades of purple and black. The smell suggested infection.
“When was this changed last?” he asked quietly.
“I don’t remember. She said to leave it until you came back.”
That was enough.
“We’re going to the hospital right now,” Daniel said firmly.
“Am I in trouble?” Ava asked anxiously.