Chapter 5 - THE CAMERA THAT DIDN'T SHOW ENOUGH
The home had cameras.
Front door.
Driveway.
Kitchen.
Downstairs hall.
Not Mia’s bedroom.
Privacy.
The footage showed Linda carrying her suitcase downstairs at 4:41 p.m.
At 4:43 she walked back upstairs.
At 4:46 she returned without Mia.
At 4:48 she left the house.
Her car departed at 4:50.
Paula and Andrew arrived at 5:31.
Forty-three minutes.
Mia had been locked alone that entire time.
Linda’s attorney argued:
Paula had texted at 4:05 saying “We’re heading back soon.”
True.
Linda allegedly believed they would arrive by 4:45.
Then Linda’s rideshare receipt showed a scheduled airport pickup at 4:50.
Scheduled at 2:11 p.m.
Before Paula’s delay message.
Linda had planned to leave at that time regardless.
Why agree to babysit until they returned?
Rachel asked the obvious question.
Then another fact appeared.
Linda had texted her sister at 4:38:
They’re late again. I’m done rescuing them.
Then at 4:49:
Let them see what happens when I stop doing everything.
Paula read the messages.
Her face went cold.
The locked door had not been only discipline.
It had been a demonstration.
May you like
A punishment aimed at the parents.
Mia had been the object used to deliver it.
