Chapter 7 - Erased Evidence
David’s brow furrowed in confusion. ""A problem? What do you mean? Our security cameras cover the entire open living room and kitchen. The entire attack was recorded in full 4K resolution.""
Detective Harris sighed, turning the tablet screen toward him. ""We subpoenaed the cloud server linked to your home security system twenty minutes ago. The cameras were working perfectly until 2:15 PM. Then, there’s an eight-minute gap of dead air. The recording resumes at 2:24 PM—right as you were on the phone with the 911 dispatcher.""
""That's impossible,"" David breathed, staring at the corrupted time logs on the screen. ""The system has local encrypted backups on a physical hard drive in my home office.""
""We dispatched a patrol car to secure your residence,"" Harris replied gravely. ""When they entered your study ten minutes ago, the hard drive had been cleanly removed. The lock on the patio door was picked.""
David leaned his head back against the wall, a bitter laugh escaping his chest. Evelyn. She had moved with terrifying speed. While Sterling was distracting him at the hospital with threats of financial ruin, Evelyn had hired someone to scrub the crime scene clean. Without video evidence, the case was reduced to David’s word against Elena’s, with Elena claiming self-defense in a chaotic mutual dispute.
""Without that footage, Detective, what happens to the assault charge?"" David asked, already dreading the answer.
""Without physical proof of intent or an unprovoked attack, and given that your sister has minor bruising on her forearms which she claims are defensive wounds, the District Attorney won't approve felony assault,"" Harris admitted reluctantly. ""At best, it’s a misdemeanor charge with immediate bail. Elena’s lawyers are already posting her bond right now. She’ll be sleeping in her penthouse tonight.""
A wave of nausea washed over David. The system was already bending to the weight of Vance money. Elena would walk away entirely unscathed while Clara lay in a coma, her life hanging by a thread.
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""There has to be another way,"" David pleaded, gripping the detective’s arm. ""You can't let her walk.""
Detective Harris looked at him with genuine sympathy, then lowered her voice. ""Your home system isn't the only camera on that street, Mr. Vance. But you didn't hear that from me.""
