Chapter 4 - The Camera on the Bookshelf
Marcus confronted Margaret privately in the garden.
Dana watched them through the kitchen window.
“Tell me what’s happening,” Marcus said.
“Nothing.”
“Mom, you look afraid in your own house.”
Margaret stared at the bare winter branches.
“Dana thinks I’m becoming forgetful.”
“Are you?”
“I don’t know anymore.”
Marcus crouched beside her chair.
“Yes, you do.”
“She says I tell her things and then deny them. She says I misplace money. She says I become confused after my medication.”
“Do you believe her?”
Margaret’s voice became almost inaudible.
“I believe I want you to stay safe.”
Marcus understood.
Dana had threatened something involving him.
He did not push his mother further while Dana could see them. Instead, he kissed Margaret’s forehead and loudly announced that he had to return to work.
Before leaving, he carried an old wooden clock inside and placed it on the bookshelf.
“A replacement for the broken one,” he explained.
Hidden inside the clock was a small security camera connected to Marcus’s phone.
He hated deceiving his mother, but he hated the fear in her eyes more.
For the next several days, the camera recorded ordinary routines. Dana prepared breakfast, cleaned the living room, and guided Margaret through exercises.
Then Marcus noticed what happened whenever Dana approached the bookshelf.
Her performance improved.
She smiled more. Her voice softened. She positioned herself where the camera could clearly see her helping Margaret.
Marcus realized Dana had discovered the device.
Two days later, the camera stopped transmitting.
When Marcus called, Dana claimed Margaret had accidentally knocked the clock onto the floor.
Marcus installed a second camera during his next visit. This one was smaller and hidden inside a decorative bird on a higher shelf.
He also placed a wireless emergency button beneath the side table. Pressing it would alert both Marcus and a private medical response service.
He showed Margaret where it was while Dana carried laundry upstairs.
“Only press this if you’re in danger,” he whispered.
Margaret stared at the button.
Then she looked toward the staircase.
May you like
“What happens after I press it?”
“I come for you.”
