The Daughter Who Pointed at Her Father

Richard Cole arrived at the house at eight the next morning with a leather briefcase and the expression of a man who had not slept.

He read the notebook twice.

Then he examined the hospital report, the calendar entry, and the printed emails.

Finally, he removed his glasses.

“Damon, I need you to understand something. These documents raise serious questions, but we cannot assume that every interpretation is correct. We need the original records, independent medical advice, and a proper investigation.””

“I understand.””

“Do you? Because if you start confronting Monique without evidence, you could compromise the case.””

Damon looked toward the living room.

Avery sat on the floor beside Keisha, drawing a picture with colored pencils. She had chosen a seat where she could see both the front door and the hallway.

“I don't want to confront her,” he said.

“I want to know what happened to my daughter.””

Richard nodded.

“Then we start with Dr. Foster.””

He placed the notebook in a protective folder.

“I'm going to request the complete hospital record and ask the court to authorize contact with the former physician. I'll also speak with the child-protection investigator assigned to the case.””

“How long will that take?””

“As long as it takes to do it properly.””

Damon rubbed his face.

“I don't know if I can wait.””

Richard's voice softened.

“You've waited five years without knowing you were waiting. You can give the truth another few days.””

Keisha walked over with two cups of coffee.

“Dr. Foster's number is in the notebook,” she said.

Richard examined the page.

“We shouldn't call her directly until we've spoken with the court. But we can verify her professional contact details through public records and send a formal request.””

Avery looked up from her drawing.

“Is Dr. Foster in trouble?””

Richard crouched to her level.

“No, sweetheart. We're trying to understand what happened when you went to the hospital.””

“Will I have to tell everyone again?””

“Not everyone. A trained interviewer will help you talk about what you remember, and you won't have to answer the same questions over and over if we can avoid it.””

Avery considered this.

“Will Mom be there?””

“Not during the interview.””

She let out a small breath.

“Okay.””

Richard stood.

“Damon, we also need to discuss your own medical history.””

Damon nodded.

“I know.””

“Do you still have the prescriptions from that period?””

“Somewhere.””

“Find them. We'll have a medical professional review what you were taking and whether it could have affected your memory or judgment.””