Chapter 6 - What Chloe Saw
Chloe's mother answered the door wearing hospital scrubs.
The moment Sarah introduced herself, the woman's expression changed.
"How is Lily?"
"Stable."
Sarah tried to smile.
"Can I speak with Chloe?"
Mrs. Miller looked worried.
"Is this police business?"
"Not officially."
That answer frightened her more.
Sarah softened her voice.
"I won't pressure her."
"I just need to know whether she saw anything."
A few minutes later, Chloe entered the living room holding a stuffed rabbit.
She sat beside her mother.
Sarah deliberately kept her hands visible.
No badge.
No notebook.
No intimidating questions.
"Chloe."
The girl looked at her.
"Lily is going to be okay."
Chloe's eyes filled with tears.
"I thought she died."
Sarah swallowed the pain rising in her throat.
"She didn't."
"But I need to make sure what happened doesn't happen again."
Chloe squeezed the rabbit.
"Can you tell me what you remember?"
The child looked at her mother.
Mrs. Miller nodded.
Chloe took a breath.
"Leo wanted Lily to jump."
"From where?"
"The high bridge."
"Did Lily want to?"
Chloe shook her head.
"She said it was too scary."
Sarah remained still.
"What happened next?"
"Leo laughed."
Chloe's voice became smaller.
"Then he put both hands on her back."
Sarah felt her heart pounding.
"And?"
"He pushed really hard."
Mrs. Miller covered her mouth.
Sarah forced herself to remain calm.
"Did anyone else see?"
Chloe thought.
"Mr. Henderson."
"Who's that?"
"The man who fixes everything."
The janitor.
"Are you sure?"
Chloe nodded.
"He was taking trash bags out."
"He looked right at Leo."
Sarah thanked her.
As she stood, Chloe grabbed her sleeve.
"Mrs. Vance?"
Sarah turned.
"Leo said something after Lily fell."
Sarah slowly sat again.
"What?"
Chloe looked frightened.
"He told me not to tell."
"What exactly did he say?"
Chloe's lips trembled.
"He said his dad makes problems disappear."
Sarah stared at the little girl.
Something had just changed.
This was no longer only about an impulsive child.
Leo understood the machinery protecting him.
Marcus had made sure of that.
Sarah left the house ten minutes later.
She reached her car.
Before she opened the door, she noticed movement in the side mirror.
The black SUV was back.
May you like
This time it was only fifty yards behind her.
Marcus was no longer hiding.
