“The image came from a neighbor’s exterior security camera,” he explained. “Michael’s parents obtained a copy before their deaths.”
My stomach twisted.
“What?”
Mercer glanced at me.
“I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t certain the photograph would be relevant until I reviewed the trust documents.”
“You knew about this?”
“Since yesterday afternoon.”
Howard’s lawyer stood.
“Your Honor, none of this establishes when that man was actually present. Security camera timestamps are often incorrect.”
Mercer nodded calmly.
“Which is precisely why the original footage has already been preserved.”
Howard’s expression changed.
Only slightly.
But I saw it.
For the first time since he had entered our lives again, he looked scared.
The judge removed her glasses.
“This guardianship hearing is not a criminal trial. I will not make findings today concerning the deaths of Michael and Victoria’s parents.”
She turned toward the court clerk.
“However, the evidence now before this court raises issues far beyond a custody dispute.”
