"You should know," Rowan began, "the digital forensics team pulled more than we expected."
"How much more?" Ethan asked.
"Everything inside the room," Rowan replied. "She didn't wipe it; she corrupted it by accident. The original feed was backed up before the malfunction."
Ethan felt the air shift inside him: not relief, not triumph, something quieter, something final.
"Sheriff Donovan is preparing charges now," Rowan continued. "Child endangerment, tampering with evidence, abuse of authority. And the financial misconduct tied to our warrant might link back to her, too."
"Good," Ethan said simply.
Rowan nodded toward the notebook on the table. "Your documentation filled every gap. It's airtight." He lifted the notebook and flipped to the page where the braid was wrapped. Rowan's voice lowered: "This... this hits harder than any footage."
"It's why I kept it."
Rowan closed the notebook gently. "By tonight, the whole board will know she's done."
"The board?" Ethan asked.
"They're part of the audit. They'll be questioned. Some of them might resign."
Ethan didn't gloat. He didn't smile. He didn't revel in her downfall. He only asked, "What happens now?"
Rowan exhaled. "Now the community learns who you really are."
As if on cue, a soft knock sounded on the door. Ethan opened it to find the Thompsons standing there, both looking remorseful.