Another punch to the gut—‘special secret’ was a phrase Laura had heard too many times in similar cases. It was a tactic perpetrators used to manipulate and silence their victims, to cloak their horrific actions under the guise of something sacred and untouchable.

Laura stood up, maintaining her composure, though every instinct screamed for justice. She needed more clarity, more details, but she also had to be gentle. Emily was already traumatized, and any misstep could close her off entirely.

“Thanks, Emily,” Laura said softly, offering a small, comforting smile. “You’ve done really well. We’re going to look into this and make sure you’re safe.”

Emily nodded, her fingers still tightly gripping her stuffed rabbit. Her mother wrapped an arm around her, whispering reassurances. Laura gave them a moment, then gestured for Sergeant Gomez to follow her out of the room.

Once outside, the tension in the hallway was palpable. Officers whispered among themselves, the station buzzing with an air of disbelief and urgency.