Chapter 13: The Nurse Who Knew the Truth

I couldn't take my eyes off the photograph.

The woman standing behind Vanessa and my mother was wearing a hospital uniform. Her dark hair was pulled into a tight bun, and a name badge hung from her pocket.

I enlarged the image on my phone.

The name was partially visible.

*Linda Reed.*

Vanessa's aunt.

I looked at Richard.

"Where is she?""

"She lives outside Atlanta. She retired several years ago.""

"How do you know all this?""

Richard rubbed his jaw.

"Because I paid someone to find her.""

David immediately interrupted.

"Mr. Bennett, if you have information concerning possible interference with medical care, you need to provide it to the appropriate authorities. We cannot treat speculation as fact.""

Richard nodded.

"I understand.""

I picked up the photograph.

"Did Linda have anything to do with Emily's death?""

Richard looked down.

"I don't know. But I know she was involved in the paperwork afterward.""

"What paperwork?""

"The hospital records. Patricia told me Linda could help obtain copies.""

My stomach tightened.

David gathered the documents.

"We're contacting the hospital and the appropriate investigators. Nobody should confront this woman privately.""

I nodded.

But I had one more question.

"Richard, why are you telling me this now?""

He looked at me for a long time.

"Because I saw the video of Caleb.""

I frowned.

"What video?""

"The one showing him in the closet. Patricia sent it to me.""

I felt something break inside my chest.

"You knew?""

Richard nodded.

"I saw it two weeks ago.""

"And you did nothing?""

He lowered his eyes.

"I thought Vanessa was exaggerating when she said the boy was difficult.""

I stood so quickly my chair scraped backward.

"He's six years old!""

"I know.""

"No, you don't. You watched your grandson being mistreated, and you stayed silent because you were afraid of losing money.""

Richard didn't defend himself.

For once, he had nothing to say.

I walked out of the hotel with David.

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Within an hour, we had contacted the relevant authorities and provided copies of the photographs, recordings, financial documents, and Emily's letter.

David also arranged for Caleb's custody situation to