I won't describe everything in it.
I couldn't bear to.
But one thing caught my attention.
A small red backpack.
Ethan's backpack.
I recognized it instantly.
I had bought it for his kindergarten graduation.
"Why was that there?"
The detective looked at me.
"That's what we're trying to determine."
I shook my head.
"Ethan wasn't supposed to be anywhere near that shed."
"Exactly."
Then Detective Carter placed another photograph on the table.
A small camera.
Hidden behind a wooden beam.
My breath caught.
"What's that?"
"A surveillance camera."
"Who installed it?"
"We don't know yet."
"Was it working?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
I stared at him.
"You have footage?"
"We do."
My hands trembled.
"Then show me."
He hesitated.
"Mrs.
Mitchell, some of it may be difficult."
"Show me."
He looked at me for several seconds.
Then he opened his laptop.
The footage began.
It showed the backyard.
Timestamp.
8:42 p.m.
My mother entered the frame.
Then Chloe.
Then Ethan.
My heart stopped.
Ethan was crying.
Chloe was holding his arm.
My mother pointed toward the shed.
Ethan shook his head.
I covered my mouth.
"No."
The footage continued.
The screen went dark for several minutes.
Then the camera picked up audio.
My mother's voice.
"You will learn to keep quiet."
Then Ethan's voice.
"I want my mommy."
I shut my eyes.
My mother answered:
"Your mommy doesn't want you."
I gasped.
"No."
Detective Carter paused the video.
"I'm sorry."
"Continue."
The next section showed Chloe entering the shed.
Then my mother.
Then both women emerged.
Ethan wasn't with them.
I stared at the screen.
"Where was he?"
"We're still reviewing the footage."
"Continue."
The next image showed my mother locking the shed.
Then Chloe looking directly toward the camera.
My blood ran cold.
She knew.
She knew there was a camera.
But why?
