Chapter 3 - Uncovering the Trail
After Nora was fitted with her cast and given pain medication, Maya introduced us to Officer Raymond, a child welfare liaison officer attached to the local precinct.
"Mr. Vance, based on the falsified documents and the attempt to withhold emergency care from a minor, we are opening an official investigation into Claire Vance," Raymond explained as he took down my statement. "Her actions constitute medical neglect and potentially forged legal consent."
When we finally returned to our house late that night, the living room lights were on.
Claire was sitting at the dining table, surrounded by stacks of financial folders, legal pads, and laptop screens. She stood up immediately as we walked in, putting on an anxious, loving smile.
"Mark! Nora! Oh thank goodness, I was out of my mind with worry!" Claire stepped forward, reaching out toward Nora. "Sweetheart, let me see your arm—"
I stepped firmly between Claire and my daughter. "Stay away from her."
Claire stopped, her smile dropping into a cold glare. "Mark, this is my house too. You can't talk to me like this in front of your daughter."
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"Go upstairs to your bedroom, Nora, and lock the door," I whispered softly to my daughter. Nora nodded quickly, clutching her pink cast, and ran up the stairs.
Once the bedroom door clicked shut above, I turned back to Claire. "Pack your bags and leave."
