Chapter 6 - Exposing the Truth
Julian led the agents into his private office, bringing up the hidden camera footage on the massive monitor.
He played the videos of Cordelia taking beautiful photos of the food before dumping it into the trash.
He showed them Blair locking the girls in the iron cradle with only scraps to eat.
Then, he played the defining footage from the night before.
The agents watched in stunned silence as the homeless woman passed the warm pot through the metal bars.
Mrs. Higgins covered her mouth, her tough exterior finally crumbling into absolute shock.
"Oh my god," the agent whispered, tears forming in her strict eyes.
"She was torturing them for profit."
Julian paused the video and turned on the bright office lights.
"The woman in that video is Sarah," Julian explained quietly.
"She lived in the ravine and spent whatever little money she begged for to cook soup for my daughters."
The agents looked at each other, completely speechless.
"I hired her this morning because she is the only mother figure these girls have known since my wife died," Julian said.
Mrs. Higgins closed her thick folder, looking deeply ashamed of her earlier accusations.
"Mr. Ashford, I am so incredibly sorry for intruding on your home like this," she apologized sincerely.
"We will ensure Cordelia Vance faces maximum federal charges for child abuse and fraud."
Julian nodded, feeling a massive wave of relief wash over him.
"Thank you, agent."
When Julian walked back out to the living room, Sarah was sitting on the floor building a block tower with the girls.
He realized in that moment that his house finally felt like a home again.
May you like
He didn't need guards in every hallway or locks on every single door.
He just needed a heart, and Sarah had brought one right through the front door.
