“The doctors say you developed pneumonia from the cold and rain.”
Fear rushed through my chest as soon as I understood where I was. “My dad and Tiffany,” I said weakly.
“They cannot hurt you anymore,” Diane replied firmly while turning the tablet toward me. “I saw the video recording from our security camera and I contacted the police immediately.”
A few minutes later a detective named Paul Hargrove entered the hospital room while holding a small folder. “Your father and stepmother are currently waiting outside the room,” he said calmly.
“They believe this situation is simply a medical emergency and they do not know about the video yet.”
He explained that they planned to let Tiffany repeat her story first before revealing the evidence. Moments later my father rushed into the room with panic written across his face.
“Grace!” he shouted while moving quickly toward the bed.
Diane stepped forward and blocked his path with surprising firmness. “Do not touch her,” she said coldly.
Tiffany entered behind him with confusion and irritation visible on her face. Detective Hargrove began asking a few simple questions about the previous afternoon.