Denise covered her mouth with one hand.
Gavin closed his eyes again. A tear slipped down his cheek.
“Baby,” he whispered. “Why didn’t you tell anyone?”
Chloe’s lips pressed together.
“Because Mrs. Avery came to the foster house.”
Denise turned quickly. “What?”
“She brought cookies,” Chloe said. “She said grown-ups wouldn’t believe me because I was too little. She said if I told lies, Daddy would be sad before he went away.”
Mitchell’s shoulders sank beneath the invisible weight of the room.
This was no longer a last visit.
This was evidence.
