Chapter 7 - THE DOOR
Derek admitted blocking the study doorway.
For how long?
“Seconds.”
Lily said:
“Long.”
Children estimate time poorly.
No precise answer.
Derek said Clara was trying to storm downstairs while hyperventilating.
He stood in front of the door because Teresa wanted her to sit.
Did he touch her?
Derek said no.
Lily said:
“He grabbed Mommy’s arm.”
No bruising documented there.
Could have happened without marks.
Could be child memory blending.
Then Derek admitted holding Clara’s forearm briefly.
Why?
“She was swinging the door into me.”
Alex wanted to hit him.
Did not.
Detective Cole watched him choose not to.
Good.
Then medical review.
Clara had a known arrhythmia.
Autopsy showed no poisoning.
No stroke.
No embolism.
No lethal injury.
Cause:
sudden cardiac death due to probable arrhythmia.
Could acute stress contribute?
Yes.
Could anyone prove the argument caused the fatal arrhythmia?
No.
Could delayed emergency response matter?
Maybe.
The important question became:
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Did Teresa or Derek delay calling 911 after Clara showed medical distress?
That was potentially provable.
