Chapter 6 - The Evidence Folder
The first officer arrived with a second officer and Detective Lena Morales from the financial crimes unit.
Detective Morales had already received Daniel’s digital report, the bank screenshots, and the livestream recording.
She listened separately to Daniel and Elena.
Mia repeatedly interrupted.
“My parents are confused.”
Detective Morales turned toward her.
“Your father provided account records.”
“He controls Mom.”
Elena stood.
“No, Mia.”
Everyone looked at her.
Elena removed the blanket from her shoulders and placed it over the chair.
She was still weak, but she no longer appeared powerless.
“You controlled me,” she said.
Mia’s lips parted.
“I cared for you.”
“You ignored me. You took my phone. You spent the money meant for my medicine. When I questioned you, you said I was imagining things.”
“I was stressed.”
“So was I.”
Detective Morales opened the evidence folder.
The bank had traced transfers to accounts owned by Mia and Brent. Security footage showed Mia using Elena’s card. Store cameras recorded both of them purchasing luxury items.
The detective also had a copy of the credit application submitted in Elena’s name.
Mia looked toward Brent.
He began removing Daniel’s watch.
Detective Morales ordered him to place it on the counter.
“We found every transfer,” she said.
Daniel asked how much had been taken.
The detective reviewed the total.
“Forty-eight thousand, six hundred and twenty dollars.”
Elena gasped.
Daniel had suspected a large amount, but hearing the number made the betrayal real.
Mia shook her head.
“That includes the car deposit. We can return it.”
Detective Morales closed the folder.
“Returning stolen property does not erase the offense.”
An officer stepped toward Mia.
Her confidence vanished.
She looked at Daniel.
“You’re really letting them arrest me?”
May you like
Daniel moved beside Elena.
“No, Mia. Your choices brought them here.”
