PART 7: Red and Blue Lights
Within fifteen minutes, the quiet, immaculate gated community of Querétaro was transformed into a scene straight out of a thriller.
Red and blue lights flashed against the freshly painted walls and the pristine bougainvillea bushes. The wail of sirens shattered the artificial peace of the neighborhood, drawing curious neighbors to their windows and front doors.
Two police cruisers and an ambulance pulled up directly in front of Verónica’s house. Paramedics rushed through the front door with a stretcher, their professional efficiency cutting through the chaos of the room.
—He's severely dehydrated, malnourished, and showing signs of prolonged confinement, but he's conscious —the lead paramedic reported quickly as they carefully lifted Mateo onto the stretcher.
—I'm going with him —I said, stepping forward.
—Of course, sir. We're heading straight to the Querétaro General Hospital.
As they wheeled Mateo toward the front door, he reached out a weak hand. I grabbed it tightly, squeezing his small, cold fingers.
—You're safe now, buddy. Dad's right here. We're going home.
Camila walked right beside the stretcher, holding onto the edge of the blanket, refusing to let go of her brother.
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Meanwhile, municipal police officers entered the living room. Two officers approached Verónica, who sat motionless on the floor. Without a word, they pulled her gently to her feet, read her her rights, and placed handcuffs around her wrists. She didn't resist. She cast one final, sorrowful look in my direction before being led out to the patrol car.
Simultaneously, word came over the police radio: a separate unit had intercepted Eduardo at his downtown office, placing him under immediate arrest before he even realized his intricate web of lies had collapsed.
