I swallowed.
“She’s right.”
Chloe nodded seriously.
“I believe her.”
I closed my eyes.
For years, I had begged judges and lawyers to believe me.
Now my daughter had given me those words without hesitation.
We talked about school.
She told me about her teacher, her best friend, and a spelling test she had passed.
She said Leah had promised to make pancakes for dinner.
Then her expression changed.
She glanced toward the guards standing near the door.
“Mommy, can I tell you a secret?”
I smiled through my tears.
“Of course.”
She leaned closer.
I expected her to tell me about a birthday surprise or a secret she had kept from Leah.
Instead, she whispered something that made my heart stop.
“Aunt Leah fixed my music box yesterday.”
I blinked.
“What?”
“The one Mr. Arthur gave me.”
I stared at her.
“She found a little card hidden under the bottom.”
