CNU-At my mother’s Sunday dinner, my sister offered to take my five-year-old daugh…

Blake’s pen paused.

“And Ivy?”

“My mother called Laya attention-seeking. Dramatic. Too much.” My throat tightened. “She’s five.”

Detective Blake’s expression did not change, but her eyes sharpened.

“Children internalize labels quickly.”

“I know that now.”

Over the next week, the investigation widened.

Noah gave a formal statement. At first, he tried to soften continue reading …