Chapter 3 - The Object in Robert’s Pocket
The officer moved toward the staircase.
Robert stepped into his path.
“My granddaughter needs medical attention.”
“She is receiving it,” the officer said. “Move aside.”
Robert remained still.
Claire saw the outline in his pocket again.
Small.
Metallic.
Rectangular.
Not a phone.
Not keys.
The officer saw it too.
“Take your hand out of your pocket.”
Robert’s fingers froze.
Patricia whispered, “Robert.”
He removed his hand slowly.
The object remained inside.
The officer asked, “Is there anyone upstairs?”
“No.”
Claire answered immediately.
“Lily was.”
Robert looked at her.
The guilt in his eyes lasted only a second.
But she saw it.
One paramedic placed Lily carefully on the stretcher.
Her eyelids fluttered.
“Mommy?”
Claire leaned over her.
“I’m here.”
Lily’s fingers tightened around the stuffed rabbit.
Then she whispered something too softly for anyone else to hear.
Claire’s face changed.
“What did she say?” the paramedic asked.
Claire looked upstairs.
“She said Grandpa told her not to open her eyes.”
Robert’s breath caught.
Patricia dropped her champagne flute.
It struck the wooden floor and cracked.
David backed away from his parents.
The officer placed one hand near his radio.
“Sir, step away from the staircase.”
Robert’s voice lowered.
“You’re misunderstanding.”
Claire moved between him and the stretcher.
“Then explain why my daughter woke up injured behind a locked door.”
Robert looked at Patricia.
She shook her head once.
Not in denial.
As a warning.
Claire saw it.
So did the officer.
The family had not remained silent because they were confused.
They had agreed not to speak.
The officer asked again.
“What is in your pocket?”
Robert slowly removed a small silver key.
May you like
Claire recognized it immediately.
It belonged to the lock on the upstairs guest-room door.
