Heather’s face paled, and she finally sat down, her legs seemingly unable to hold her up any longer. “Bruises? On Emery?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Yes, and some appear to be older,” the investigator continued gently. “Do you know how they might have gotten there?”

Heather’s eyes filled with tears. “I… I don’t know,” she stammered. “I swear, I don’t know.”

James and I exchanged worried glances. Was she telling the truth? Could someone else have hurt Emery?

One of the officers handed Heather a box of tissues as she broke down. “I would never hurt Emery,” she sobbed. “She’s my baby.”

The investigator nodded, taking notes. “We understand, Ms. Thompson. But we need to know if anyone else has had access to Emery. Anyone you might suspect?”

Heather wiped her eyes, struggling to regain composure. “Just… just my boyfriend, Alex. But he adores her. He’d never—” Her voice trailed off, doubt creeping in.

“Would it be possible for us to speak with Alex?” the investigator asked.

Heather nodded, her hands trembling as she reached for her phone. “I’ll call him.”

While Heather made the call, I sat with Emery in my arms, feeling protective over the innocent little life cradled against my chest. James held Lila close, reassuring her that she had done nothing wrong.

Heather returned, her face strained. “He’s on his way.”

As we waited, the tension in the room was palpable. My thoughts raced, questioning everything I knew. How could this have happened to someone as innocent as Emery?

When Alex arrived, he looked confused and worried. Heather filled him in, and his face darkened with anger and disbelief. “I don’t understand,” he said, shaking his head. “I would never hurt her. I love Emery like she’s my own.”

The officers questioned him, and he answered every query with a mix of confusion and defensiveness. But as they spoke, another layer of tension unfolded—one that hinted at hidden truths and possible secrets.

The CPS investigator stepped back, speaking quietly with the officers. Heather and Alex sat together, an invisible chasm between them.

“We’ll need to conduct a thorough investigation,” the investigator said finally. “For now, Emery will need to be examined by a doctor, and we’ll stay in touch to ensure her well-being.”

Heather nodded, her strength seemingly sapped. “Please, just keep her safe.”

As they prepared to leave, I handed Emery gently to the paramedics, watching as they took her tiny hand and promised to take good care of her.

James squeezed my hand, and I looked at Lila, who watched everything with wide, understanding eyes. “You did the right thing, sweetheart,” I whispered.

As they walked out, Heather lingered, looking at me with gratitude tinged with heartbreak. “Thank you,” she mouthed, and I nodded, my heart heavy.

As the door closed, I realized that this was just the beginning—a journey to uncover the truth and protect the innocent. And in that moment, as our family faced an uncertain path, we knew we had to hold onto each other tighter than ever before.