Chapter 9 - The Missing Angle
Grant met Ruiz in a small conference room.
The hotel security manager sat beside an open laptop.
“The main corridor camera covers the suite entrance,” Ruiz explained.
“A separate camera covers the service passage. Different recording system. The hotel preserved both.”
The manager looked exhausted.
“We don't have cameras inside guest rooms. This one looks down the rear passage toward the landing.”
On the screen, an empty corridor narrowed toward three steps and a closed door.
Grant recognized the wall where Rose had been lying.
His stomach clenched.
“Do I need to see it?”
Ruiz didn't rush him.
“No. You can choose not to. We need you to identify clothing and confirm the sequence around your arrival. We can do that with still images.”
He breathed through his nose.
“Show me the stills first.”
Rose's white dress.
Vanessa's satin skirt.
The bouquet.
He identified each one.
“What does the recording show?”
“An interaction at the doorway, Rose falling, and the door closing. We're reviewing the full sequence and taking a supplemental statement from the hotel employee who entered after you.”
“An interaction.”
The phrase sounded painfully small.
“I'm choosing my words carefully,” Ruiz said.
“This recording matters. So does handling it correctly.”
Grant nodded, ashamed of wanting her to be angry when he needed her to be precise.
He returned upstairs carrying nothing except the knowledge that the truth existed outside his daughter's frightened memory.
Rose was ready for discharge the next morning.
Dr. Patel reviewed the follow-up instructions and the signs that meant calling for help.
Grant wrote everything down.
At home, he had arranged for Nora to stay while they worked out a schedule she actually wanted.
Vanessa's access to the house had been removed.
Her things were being handled through other adults.
Rose stood in the hospital doorway with her rabbit under her good arm.
“Is she home?”
“No.”
“Will she be mad that I told?”
Grant crouched.
“Keeping you safe is my job. You never have to keep a secret about someone hurting you.”
His phone vibrated before they reached the elevator.
May you like
A message from Vanessa.
Before you believe that video, ask yourself why I was trying to get away from her.
