Chapter 11 - THE INVESTIGATOR IN THE PICKUP
Megan Holt had arranged for child-welfare investigator Dana Reeves to visit the farm that afternoon.
Not to stage anything.
To interview Rachel and Emma about the notebook and prior footage.
They arrived moments after the shovel incident.
Perfect timing.
Not planned timing.
Dana saw:
Emma crying,
fresh swelling on the lower leg,
Diane holding the shovel,
Rachel standing beside the wheelchair.
Diane immediately said:
“She ran into it.”
Emma screamed:
“No!”
Everyone went silent.
Dana crouched.
“What happened?”
Emma looked at Rachel.
Rachel said:
“You can tell.”
Emma pointed at Diane.
“She hit me.”
Diane snapped:
“She is dramatic.”
Dana looked at the leg.
Then at Diane.
Then at Rachel.
“Is there somewhere private I can speak with Emma?”
Rachel answered:
“Yes.”
Diane said:
May you like
“No.”
That single word hurt Diane more than she understood.
