Chapter 5 - THE CAMERA NEVER LIES The security office was only one hallway away.
Eleanor ordered the footage pulled immediately.
Richard tried to stop her.
"There is no reason for this."
Eleanor turned.
"There is every reason."
A technician connected the security system to a large monitor.
The room gathered around.
Sarah held Owen tightly.
Richard stood near the door.
For the first time that evening, he looked nervous.
The video began.
There was Richard.
Walking.
Turning.
Hitting Owen's crutch.
The boy stumbling.
Richard pushing him.
Owen falling.
Then Richard kicking the crutch away.
Nobody spoke.
The recording continued.
Richard's cruel expression was impossible to misunderstand.
The silence afterward was heavier than the music from the ballroom.
One woman covered her mouth.
Another whispered:
"Oh my God."
A businessman lowered his phone.
Someone else started recording the screen.
Richard shook his head.
"That footage doesn't show the whole situation."
Eleanor stared at him.
"It shows enough."
"No. You're misunderstanding."
"Richard."
She stepped closer.
"You just watched yourself hurt a child."
His face tightened.
"You don't understand what happened."
"I understand perfectly."
A police officer who had been stationed outside entered the hall.
Eleanor pointed toward the screen.
"Officer, this man assaulted a child."
Richard's confidence disappeared.
"You can't arrest me over this."
The officer looked at the footage.
Then at Richard.
"Sir, turn around."
"My attorney—"
"Turn around."
Richard hesitated.
The handcuffs clicked.
The sound was strangely small.
But everyone heard it.
As Richard was led away, Owen watched silently.
Then he whispered:
"Mom?"
Sarah bent down.
"Yes, baby?"
"Did I do something wrong?"
Sarah's heart broke.
She kissed his forehead.
"No."
May you like
She held his face between her hands.
"You did nothing wrong."
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