Judge Reyes softened her voice. “Theo, Rowan, nobody here is angry with you. You are not in trouble. I need to know where you feel safe.”
Theo lowered his head. He was the younger twin by six minutes, though he hated being called younger. He had always been the softer one, the one who cried during movies and apologized to insects after stepping too close. Rowan, the older by six minutes and the quieter by nature, looked from his mother to his father and then to the judge. He looked too serious for nine. Too thin. Too watchful. Like childhood had been something he packed away because the adults needed evidence more than they needed laughter.
Adrian leaned forward slightly. “Buddy,” he said with a careful smile, “just tell the judge what we talked about.”
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Judge Reyes turned sharply. “Mr. Hawthorne, do not coach the child.”
Adrian sat back, palms raised in innocence. “Of course, Your Honor.”
Slowly, Rowan stood.
Clara’s heart began pounding so hard she could hear it.
When he spoke, his voice was quiet but steady. “Your Honor… before I answer, there’s something you need to see.”
Adrian’s face changed.
Rowan reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out a small black USB drive.
