Some tried to leave.
Richard raised one hand.
“If anyone is uncomfortable, you’re welcome to go.”
No one moved.
Curiosity won.
Within two minutes the living-room television showed shaky footage of Richard’s birthday party.
People laughed.
Someone carried trays.
Balloons bobbed in the corner.
The crystal horse stood on its pedestal near the edge of the frame.
George fast-forwarded.
2:47.
3:10.
3:36.
Richard appeared opening gifts.
Maya’s cousin danced badly.
People laughed at the recording.
Then 3:52.
The room emptied temporarily while most guests moved to the backyard for photographs.
Natalie appeared.
Alone.
She looked around.
Walked toward Richard’s study.
Disappeared inside.
Daniel’s mouth went dry.
No one spoke.
At 3:54, Natalie came out carrying a brown envelope.
Lily looked immediately at her father.
“Told you.”
Daniel could not answer.
On the television, Natalie slipped the envelope into her handbag.
Then Lily appeared at the edge of the frame.
She stopped.
Even in the grainy video, surprise was visible in her small posture.
Natalie noticed her.
The audio was distant but clear enough.
“What are you doing here?”
Lily’s recorded voice answered.
“I wanted Grandma’s picture.”
“Go downstairs.”
“What’s that?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s Grandpa’s.”
“Lily, go downstairs.”
“I’m telling Dad.”
Natalie moved quickly.
She grabbed Lily’s left arm.
Daniel made a sound under his breath.
On the screen, Lily struggled.
“Let me go!”
Natalie leaned closer.
No one in the room moved.
Her voice came through the camera microphone.
“Your father already thinks you’ve been lying.”
Lily stopped struggling.
Natalie continued.
“You really want to give him another reason?”
Daniel closed his eyes.
But the video kept playing.
Lily said, “You’re stealing.”
“I’m not.”
“I saw you.”
Natalie released her wrist.
Then looked toward the crystal horse.
The next movement was small.
Almost casual.
She stepped backward.
Her hand struck the pedestal.
The horse rocked.
Lily gasped.
Natalie caught it.
For one second she actually had the sculpture in both hands.
She could have saved it.
Instead she looked at Lily.
Then removed her right hand.
The horse tilted.
Lily lunged forward.
Too late.
Crystal hit hardwood.
The crash on the recording sounded almost identical to the one still echoing inside Daniel’s memory from minutes earlier.
The horse shattered.
Lily screamed.
Natalie stepped away.
She stared at the pieces.
Then at the girl.
Something passed over her face.
Calculation.
She pointed toward Lily.
“You should have listened when I told you to leave it alone.”
Lily stared.
“You did that.”
“No.”
“Yes!”
Natalie bent down.
Her voice became quiet enough that George increased the volume.
“Who do you think Daniel will believe?”
The entire room seemed to stop breathing.
Lily whispered, “Me.”
Natalie smiled.
It was barely visible.
“He didn’t last time.”
Daniel’s face went white.
George stopped the video.