The video jerked violently. The image blurred. The tablet hit the floor with a crack.
“Oh no,” Nick said quickly. “It slipped.”
Then his voice lowered.
“Chloe, listen to me. Don’t say anything to Mommy about the call Daddy just had. It’s adult stuff. You wouldn’t understand.”
Silence.
“If you keep it between us, I’ll buy you a brand-new tablet. The newest one. Deal?”
My chest tightened.
“Okay,” Chloe answered hesitantly.
The video ended.
Nick jumped to his feet. “That’s edited! It’s taken out of context!”
“Sit down,” the judge said sharply.
“It’s a lie! She doesn’t even know how to use that thing properly!”
The gavel struck. “Daniel, will you control your client?”
Daniel muttered something, and Nick sank back into his seat.
The judge leaned forward. “This recording appears to be dated before the medical procedure in question.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” the bailiff confirmed.
Daniel cleared his throat. “Your Honor, digital files can be manipulated.”
“They can,” the judge replied evenly. “However, the burden now shifts. This court will order forensic verification if necessary.”
He turned to Nick. “Do you deny making these statements?”
Nick hesitated. “It wasn’t like that.”
“That isn’t an answer.”