The room went quiet.
Steven continued.
“He already knew what I was planning. He just wanted his money.”
The officer moved immediately.
“Stand up.”
Steven’s smile disappeared.
“Turn around.”
The handcuffs clicked.
Kayla buried her face against me.
Reese climbed beside her.
“I told you I saved her,” Reese whispered.
Kayla reached for her little sister.
“Yes,” she said. “You did.”
The investigation didn’t end that morning.
Detectives interviewed other students.
Emily’s family was contacted.
More girls eventually came forward.
Steven’s father was questioned too.
The truth about the money became even uglier.
He had known enough about his son’s behavior to recognize what was happening.
But instead of stopping him, he used David’s fear to get money.
He had sold silence.
Nothing more.
