Chapter 4 - Uncovering the Truth
With Lila’s interview documented, Marcus moved swiftly. The description of the "heavy bags that smell like chemicals" and the frequent late-night visitors gave the police the exact probable cause they needed. Marcus initiated a discreet investigation into David’s finances and lifestyle.
Harper tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for Lila, taking her to the park and baking her favorite cookies, but every time the phone rang, her heart jumped into her throat. She lived in constant terror that David would realize Lila had spoken and come to take her.
Two days later, Marcus called Harper into the station. He led her into a private office and closed the door.
"We ran a background check and put eyes on David’s apartment," Marcus explained, pointing to a corkboard covered in surveillance photos. "David is deep in debt to some very dangerous people. He’s been using his apartment as a distribution hub for a major drug ring. He thought using an eight-year-old girl as his courier and hiding spot within the building would keep him under the radar. He figured no cop would suspect a dad on his weekend custody rotation."
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Harper felt sick to her stomach. "He put our daughter in the room with drug traffickers? He risked her life for money?"
"He did," Marcus said grimly. "But he made a mistake. Lila noticed things. She drew a picture of a specific logo on one of the bags—a snake biting its tail. It matches a syndicate we’ve been tracking for six months. We have enough for a search warrant, Harper. We’re moving in tonight."
