Chapter 5 - The Camera Shows Two Rachels
Marcus reviewed months of kitchen-camera footage.
The pattern was unmistakable.
When Marcus was home, Rachel served Ava normally.
When he traveled, portions became smaller.
Rachel removed snacks.
She criticized Ava for asking for more.
Sometimes she photographed Ava’s plate before and after meals.
Marcus paused one recording.
“Why was she taking pictures?”
Ava shrugged.
“She said she needed proof.”
“Proof of what?”
“That I eat too much.”
Marcus felt sick.
Rachel had told him Ava was becoming a picky eater.
The opposite was true.
Then one video showed Rachel opening the supplement bottle before
dinner.
She placed something beside Ava’s glass.
The camera angle could not establish exactly what it was.
Marcus preserved the footage for the doctor and investigators rather
than inventing an answer.
Then another recording appeared.
Rachel was on the phone.
“She’s gaining his sympathy again.”
A pause.
“No. Danielle can’t talk to her.”
Another pause.
“If Marcus starts questioning the account, everything falls apart.”
Marcus replayed that sentence.
This was bigger than food.
Rachel had been controlling Ava because Ava was a connection between
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Marcus and Danielle.
And Danielle knew where the money had gone.
