Chapter 3
Officer Vance held the pill bottle up to the sunlight, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the jagged edges of the torn label. "This prescription label was removed intentionally," he stated, his tone flat and professional. He looked up, his gaze locking onto Elena, who shifted uncomfortably against the tree trunk. "People don't carry loose, unlabeled narcotics around in designer purses unless they have a reason to hide what they are. You want to tell me what’s inside this bottle, ma'am?"
Elena shook her head vigorously, her dark hair swinging across her shoulders. "I found it by the bench, officer! I swear to you. I was just sitting there, scrolling through my emails, when Leo walked up. I didn't even know he had it until he swallowed one."
Sarah lunged forward again, ignoring the officer's warning gesture. "You're a compulsive liar, Elena! You've been poisoning our lives for years with your games and your manipulations. Vance, look at her phone! The black smartphone right there on the grass. She was filming us. She was recording Leo's reaction for some sick social media stunt or to blackmail me!"
Vance looked down at the sleek black device resting innocently in the grass a few feet away. He walked over, squatted down, and used the toe of his boot to gently nudge the screen upward. The display was locked, but a series of notification banners glowed softly. One read: Upload in progress... 98%.
"Don't touch that!" Elena shrieked, taking a sudden step forward before stopping herself under the officer's severe glare. "That's a violation of my privacy! You need a warrant to look at my phone."
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"In an active medical emergency involving a minor where a crime may have been committed, my priority is preserving life and evidence," Vance replied coldly, reaching down to slide the phone into his utility pocket. "You can explain your privacy concerns down at the precinct."
A distant wail of approaching sirens began to weave through the neighborhood streets, growing louder by the second. The familiar red and blue flashing lights cut through the bright daylight, casting eerie, artificial colors across the green grass of the park. Sarah dropped back down to her knees beside Leo, ignoring the dirt and the dampness. She grabbed her son’s limp hand, pressing it against her cheek. "Hold on, baby," she whispered, tears finally breaking free and streaming down her face. "The ambulance is almost here. Please, just stay with me."
