Chapter 1: The Signal
Chapter 1: The Signal
Sarah's partner, James Holloway, caught the look immediately.
He didn't ask questions.
Instead, he quietly stepped away from the stretcher and spoke into his shoulder radio.
"Request local PD. Possible attempted homicide."
Those six words landed harder than Bridget's fall.
Every conversation stopped.
Diane's face turned white.
Harold straightened his jacket.
Tyler forced out an incredulous laugh.
"This is ridiculous," he said loudly. "She slipped."
Sarah ignored him.
She continued examining Bridget's spine while carefully stabilizing her neck.
"Bridget," she asked, "did anyone witness your brother pushing you?"
Bridget slowly lifted one trembling finger.
"Everyone."
Silence.
Not one guest answered.
Not one guest denied it.
They simply looked at the ground.
Until someone spoke.
Lauren.
Tyler's wife.
Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
"I..."
Tyler immediately grabbed her wrist.
She stopped talking.
Sarah noticed.
Officer Daniel Ruiz arrived less than four minutes later.
Unlike the guests, he wasn't interested in family reputation.
He wanted evidence.
He photographed the broken railing.
Measured the distance.
Documented Bridget's injuries.
Then he looked up at Tyler.
"Sir, I'd like you to remain on the property."
Tyler smiled.
"Am I under arrest?"
May you like
"Not yet."
Those two words made Tyler visibly nervous.
