That mattered.

They instructed me not to confront either parent and told me the report was being escalated.

I also called local police when directed because of the immediate circumstances.

Then I went back to dinner.

Marcus was discussing a new client.

Elisa poured wine.

Sophia ate almost nothing.

I sat there knowing that somewhere outside that beautiful house, the first part of a protective system had begun moving.

PART 5 — NO PRIVATE INVESTIGATION

The filmmaker in me wanted evidence.