We proceeded cautiously, guided by Denise’s warnings that any premature confrontation might provoke Darren into restricting access to Mia, so I maintained my routine, preserved an appearance of normalcy, and allowed Renee to conduct surveillance that gradually assembled a pattern of behavior impossible to dismiss.
Photographs documented Darren meeting various individuals behind Silverline’s office, exchanges marked by envelopes and small packages, while additional records revealed visits to payday lenders and casinos, and the most chilling observation emerged when Renee noted Darren lingering near Mia’s school without retrieving her, sitting alone in his car with movements suggestive of drug use before eventually driving away.
“He is using,” Renee stated plainly. “Often around the times he is responsible for the child.”