Chapter 3 - The Interrogation
Within an hour, the house was transformed into a crime scene. Paramedics wrapped Mia and Leo in thermal blankets and transported them to the local pediatric hospital, with David riding beside them in the ambulance.
At the police station, Sarah sat across from Detective Miller, a seasoned investigator with twenty years on the force. The friendly, submissive housewife act had completely evaporated; Sarah sat with her arms crossed, a cold, defiant look in her eyes.
"Mrs. Vance," Detective Miller began, placing a tablet on the table between them. "We've reviewed the footage provided by your neighbor, Mrs. Gable. It clearly shows you forcing Mia and Leo into an abandoned iron dog enclosure at 10:14 AM."
"They were misbehaving," Sarah said smoothly, her voice flat. "David spoils them because their mother died. Someone has to discipline them."
"Disciplining a twenty-two-month-old infant involves locking him in an unheated outdoor cage in forty-degree weather for six hours?" Detective Miller asked, leaning forward.
"I gave them a blanket," Sarah lied.
"The blanket was soaked through because you turned the garden hose on them when Mia tried to scream for help," Miller snapped, tapping the tablet screen. "We have the audio, Sarah. We heard you tell a six-year-old girl that if she made another sound, you would make sure her father never came back."
Sarah’s eyes flickered with a brief flash of irritation, but she didn't show remorse. "I am David’s wife. Under state law, I have legal parental authority when he is absent."
"Not when that authority constitutes felony child endangerment, aggravated assault, and unlawful imprisonment," Miller replied coldly, standing up. "You aren't going home tonight, Sarah. And given the evidence, bail is going to be set extraordinarily high."
Meanwhile, at the hospital, David sat by Mia’s bed. Leo was fast asleep in a nearby crib, hooked up to an IV to treat severe dehydration and mild hypothermia.
Mia reached out her tiny hand, tugging at David’s sleeve. "Daddy?"
"I'm right here, sweetie."
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"Is Sarah going to come back when you go to work?"
David took her hand, holding it gently between both of his hands. "No, Mia. She is never, ever coming near you or Leo again. I promise you on my life."
