Chapter 4 - THE CHILD WITH THE CAMERAThe breakthrough came from eight-year-old Mason.
A cousin.
At the party, Mason had received a children's instant camera with video capability.
He recorded everything.
Balloons.
Dogs.
Adults eating.
Someone dancing badly.
Then, accidentally, Robert and Tessa.
Mason's mother discovered the clip and brought it to Ethan's lawyer.
The footage began shakily behind the garage.
Robert stood with Tessa.
No Lily visible.
Robert said something.
Audio muffled.
Naomi enhanced volume through a professional forensic service.
Not magic.
Still difficult.
But several words became clear.
“He needs to react in front of everyone.”
Then Tessa:
“What if she tells him?”
Robert:
“She's four.”
Ethan closed his eyes.
There it was.
Not enough alone.
But powerful.
Then Lily entered frame.
She had apparently been searching for her missing shoe.
Robert noticed her.
The video ended.
What happened afterward wasn't recorded.
But Lily remembered.
Robert grabbed her arm.
Tessa tried to pull her away.
Lily screamed.
Tessa covered her mouth too forcefully.
Her ring struck Lily's cheek.
They panicked.
Then told Lily it had been a joke.
When Lily tried to run toward the party, Tessa took her behind the garage.
Robert left.
Tessa followed minutes later, apparently assuming Lily would stay frightened and hidden.
She didn't realize Ethan would find her.
The bruises were no longer mysterious.
But the ugliest detail was still missing.
Why had Robert told Tessa to provoke Ethan?
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Tessa finally answered.
Because Robert had promised her money.
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