“If child protective services contacts you for a follow-up interview tomorrow, a simple statement confirming a household misunderstanding will close the file.”

“A statement,” Mariana repeated.

“Your mother has devoted thirty years to early childhood education in this city,” Mr.

Vance said, his voice dropping into a friendly, fatherly murmur.

“One exaggerated report could destroy her entire life’s work over a twenty-minute mistake.”

“It wasn’t twenty minutes,” I said.

“We have clear records of everyone’s movements this morning, Mr.

Morales,” Mr.