Chapter 10 - The Neighbor Across the Street
That afternoon Daniel stepped outside for fresh air.
He walked slowly toward the mailbox.
Across the street, an elderly woman watering flowers watched him with obvious curiosity.
Their eyes met.
She immediately set down the watering can and hurried over.
"You finally came home."
Daniel smiled politely.
"You know who I am?"
"I've known since you bought this house."
She lowered her voice.
"I've been waiting years to see you."
Daniel's expression changed.
"Why?"
The woman looked nervously toward Rebecca's home.
"Because I tried to report what was happening."
Daniel stood perfectly still.
"What do you mean?"
"I called social services twice."
"I even contacted the police once."
"What happened?"
"They visited."
"And afterward?"
Rebecca somehow convinced everyone that Lily suffered from behavioral problems.
That chores were part of therapy.
That strict discipline had been recommended.
"They believed her."
The woman sighed.
"I wasn't allowed inside the house."
"I could only hear arguments."
She reached into her gardening apron.
"I kept something."
From a small envelope she removed an old flash drive.
"Lily threw this into my garden one rainy night."
"I never knew what was on it."
"I was afraid to look."
Daniel accepted it carefully.
"When was this?"
"About five years ago."
He stared at the tiny device.
If Lily had risked throwing evidence over the fence...
She had been trying to ask for help.
May you like
Long before he ever returned.
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