CHAPTER 4 – JUSTICE

The investigation moved quickly.
Security cameras from neighboring homes showed me leaving for my car.
They also showed Brooke carrying Lily upstairs only minutes later.
Inside the house, another guest revealed something even worse.
She had recorded part of the birthday party for social media.
The video accidentally captured Brooke laughing with Margaret.
"Give her something so she'll sleep through the whole party."
The words were unmistakable.
Laboratory tests later confirmed sedative medication in Lily's system.
Doctors testified that delaying emergency treatment even a few more minutes could have cost her life.
Brooke was arrested on charges related to child endangerment, assault, and obstruction of emergency assistance.
Margaret faced charges for interfering with medical aid and helping conceal what had happened.
Watching them led away in handcuffs, I felt no triumph.
Only relief.
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My daughter had survived.
Nothing else mattered.