Chapter 1: The Footage
Chapter 1: The Footage
The ballroom doors burst open.
Two paramedics hurried toward Sophie while three Chicago police officers entered behind them.
"Step back!" one paramedic ordered.
As they placed a bandage against Sophie's head, another checked her pupils.
"She's conscious. We need to move."
Preston folded his arms confidently.
"Officer, that child stole my phone and assaulted me."
Officer Daniel Harper didn't answer immediately.
His eyes moved from the blood on the floor...
...to the heavy oak menu board lying beside it.
"You hit her with this?"
Preston hesitated.
"I... I lost control."
"You assaulted an eight-year-old child."
Before Preston could respond, a hotel employee rushed inside.
"Officer!"
Everyone turned.
May you like
The hotel's security manager, Maria Alvarez, held a black tablet tightly against her chest.
"I think you need to see something."
