Chapter 2: The Recording That Changed Everything
Christopher slowly handed Emma to his longtime housekeeper, Margaret, without taking his eyes off Juliette.
"Take her inside," he said quietly. "Call Dr. Lawson. Don't let anyone leave."
Emma clung to her father's soaked shirt.
"Daddy..."
He kissed her wet forehead.
"I promise you're safe now."
Only after the little girl disappeared into the mansion did Christopher reach into his jacket pocket.
His fingers closed around a small black digital recorder.
Juliette's face instantly lost every trace of color.
"No..." she whispered.
Christopher held the recorder high enough for every guest to see.
"You said Emma slipped."
Juliette nodded frantically.
"Because that's exactly what happened."
Christopher pressed one button.
Static filled the backyard.
Then came Juliette's unmistakable voice.
"Go ahead... climb closer."
A tiny frightened voice answered.
"Daddy said I'm not allowed near the edge..."
Juliette laughed softly.
"Your daddy won't be here."
The guests exchanged horrified glances.
Christopher never looked away from his wife.
The recording continued.
"If something happens to you..." Juliette whispered, "...everything belongs to me."
Emma's trembling voice replied.
"Please... I want my daddy..."
Then...
The unmistakable sound of struggling.
A splash.
Tiny screams.
Silence.
The backyard became so quiet that even the fountain seemed deafening.
One woman covered her mouth.
Another guest slowly backed away from Juliette as though she were standing beside a stranger.
Juliette shook violently.
"That isn't what it sounds like!"
Christopher finally spoke.
"No."
May you like
His voice remained perfectly calm.
"It's worse."
