Chapter 4 - The Frame Job
I stared at my daughter in absolute shock, unable to comprehend the words that had just left her mouth.
"Chloe, what are you saying?" I gasped, taking a step toward the examination table.
Dr. Evans instantly stepped between us, holding her hands up defensively.
"Sir, I need you to back away from the child right now," the doctor commanded sharply.
"She is confused, she is terrified of her grandfather!" I pleaded, desperately trying to explain the truth.
The doctor pressed a red emergency button on the wall, and within seconds, two hospital security guards burst into the room.
They grabbed my arms and forcibly dragged me out into the busy hospital corridor.
"Call Child Protective Services and the police immediately!" Dr. Evans shouted to the nurses' station.
I fought against the guards, my mind racing to understand why Chloe would lie to protect the monster who hurt her.
Ten minutes later, two uniformed police officers arrived and pushed me aggressively against the hallway wall.
Just as the officers began reading me my Miranda rights, the elevator doors at the end of the hall slid open.
Meredith sprinted out of the elevator, sobbing hysterically, with Richard walking calmly right behind her.
"Harrison, how could you do this to our baby?" Meredith screamed, slapping me hard across the face.
The sting of her hand was nothing compared to the agony of watching my family tear itself apart.
"Meredith, I swear to you, it was your father!" I yelled, struggling against the police cuffs.
Richard stepped forward, playing the role of the devastated, protective grandfather with sickening perfection.
"I always knew there was a darkness inside of you, Harrison," Richard said, shaking his head in fake sorrow.
He handed a small, leather-bound notebook to one of the police officers.
"I found this diary in his home office, it details his violent urges toward the child," Richard lied effortlessly.
The officer flipped through the forged diary, his expression hardening with pure disgust.
Through the glass window of the examination room, I saw Chloe sitting on the edge of the bed.
May you like
She looked at me through the glass, tears streaming down her bruised face.
Very slowly and deliberately, she mouthed the words, "He has Mommy."
