Chapter 1: The Footage No One Could Rewrite
Chapter 1: The Footage No One Could Rewrite
Celeste folded her arms.
"I want my attorney."
"You'll have that opportunity," Priya replied calmly.
"But first, we're preserving the evidence."
At a signal from the security director, every entrance to the ballroom was temporarily closed.
Not locked.
Simply monitored.
Guests were politely asked to remain until their names and contact information had been recorded.
A murmur swept through the room.
Richard Vale addressed the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this hotel has maintained continuous audio and video surveillance in all public event areas."
Several faces changed.
"Tonight's incident has been recorded from four camera angles."
Celeste laughed once.
"A recording doesn't prove intent."
"No," Richard answered.
"It proves actions."
Minutes later, the footage played in the hotel's private security office.
There was no ambiguity.
Walter speaking.
Celeste raising her hand.
Lena stepping between them.
Celeste grabbing Lena's arm.
Every word.
Every movement.
Even the uncomfortable silence of two hundred witnesses.
May you like
The recording ended with Richard entering the frame.
No one in the room argued after that.
