Chapter 2 - THE POLICE HAD BEEN THERE BEFORE
This was not the first call.
That was the first surprise.
Officer Daniels checked dispatch history.
Harper residence.
Three police contacts in eight months.
Natalie knew about one.
A noise complaint after Lily had a screaming tantrum when she was sick.
She did not know about the other two.
One report stated:
JUVENILE CHILD DISPLAYING AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD GRANDMOTHER.
Another:
FAMILY REQUESTED OFFICER PRESENCE DUE TO CHILD REFUSING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
Lily was four during the first.
Five during the second.
No arrest.
No removal.
No criminal charge.
But reports existed.
Who called?
Evelyn.
Who confirmed the behavior?
Melissa.
Natalie stared at the dispatch summaries.
“What did she do?”
Evelyn crossed her arms.
“Your daughter has tantrums.”
“She’s five.”
“She kicks doors.”
“When?”
“When she’s told no.”
Officer Daniels asked:
“Did she hurt anyone?”
Evelyn hesitated.
“No.”
“Did she threaten anyone?”
“No.”
“Did she use a weapon?”
“Of course not.”
Daniels looked back at the reports.
Then at Lily clinging to Natalie’s waist.
The language did not match the child in front of him.
May you like
Not yet proof.
But enough to look closer.
