Chapter 3 - Preston Tries To Dismiss Poppy’s Innocent Accusation
Poppy shrank back against the side of Madeline’s hospital bed, clutching her stuffed rabbit tighter against her chest.
“It wasn't a game, Daddy... I saw you put the glass bottle in your coat right before the ambulance came,” Poppy whispered softly.
Preston shot his daughter a dark, warning glance that made the little girl’s eyes well up with sudden, frightened tears.
Madeline saw the look, and a cold wave of protective fury rushed through her veins, driving away the last remnants of her weakness.
“Don't you dare glare at our daughter, Preston,” Madeline said, her voice raspy but carrying an unyielding edge of command.
Detective Ruiz noticed the exchange, her investigative instincts locking onto the palpable tension rippling between husband and wife.
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“Mr. Marchetti, I am going to ask you once, very clearly, to empty the contents of your right jacket pocket,” Ruiz commanded.
“This is absurd harassment based on the confused rambling of a frightened four-year-old child,” Preston protested, taking a step backward.
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