Chapter 7 - The Final Proof
The medical examiner’s van pulled away from the riverbank under the fading afternoon light, carrying the tragic remains of Andrew Jenkins.
Back at the precinct, the atmosphere was solemn. The rumors that had circulated through the neighborhood like wildfire—the whispered accusations of abandonment, cowardice, and neglect—had been completely dismantled by the hard, undeniable facts recovered from the water.
Detective Miller placed a heavy manila envelope on the conference table in front of Natalie. Inside were the contents of the plastic grocery bag recovered from Andrew’s stiffened hand.
"The amoxicillin bottle is intact," Miller said quietly, leaning against the wall. "And the electrolyte packets were still sealed inside their secondary plastic wrap. He didn't drop them. He didn't lose them. When the flash flood hit that embankment, he wrapped his entire upper body around the bag to protect his daughter's medicine from the water."
Natalie looked down at the photograph of Andrew and Claire sitting next to the recovered items. "The neighbors outside are starting to talk," she said softly. "The woman in the yellow raincoat—Mrs. Higgins—she came up to the police tape ten minutes ago. She was crying. She said she was the one who recorded the video of the house, and she asked if she could send an apology to the hospital for Ashley."
"People love a villain because it makes them feel safe," Miller said with a cynical sigh. "It’s easier to believe a father is a monster than to accept that a good man can be crushed by a cruel stroke of bad luck and a violent act of nature."
"What about Ashley?" Natalie asked, her voice dropping with genuine concern. "Who tells her?"
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"Sarah from Child Protective Services is handling that right now," Miller replied. "She's at the hospital with a counselor. They agreed that you should be there, Natalie. You're the one who found her. You're the one she trusts."
Natalie didn't hesitate. She grabbed her jacket and headed for the door.
