“She was sick.”
The simplicity of Camila’s answer silenced the room again.
Before Carmen could respond, the emergency-room doors opened.
Deputy Harris entered carrying a clear evidence bag containing Anna’s phone.
Another deputy followed with a tablet tucked beneath his arm.
“We found a camera across from Mrs.
Carmen’s porch,” Harris said.
“The owner gave us the recording.”
Carmen’s confidence faltered.
The video was grainy, but the scene was unmistakable.
Camila appeared beneath the porch light, barefoot and soaked from rain.
She was pulling the shopping cart behind her.
The gray blanket around the twins had slipped, and she kept stopping to tuck it beneath their chins.
She knocked.
“Grandma?” the child called on the recording.
“Mommy won’t wake up.”
A light switched on inside the house.
Carmen’s voice came through the closed door.
“Your mother always makes everything dramatic.”
“Please open it.
Sophie is cold.”
“Go home, Camila.”
“Diego won’t drink.”
“That is your mother’s problem.”
The porch light went dark.
On the screen, Camila stood without moving for several seconds.
Then she bent over the cart, kissed each baby’s forehead, and dragged it back toward the road.
Nurse Margaret covered her mouth.
A clerk at the desk began crying openly.
Carmen reached for the tablet, but Deputy Harris pulled it away.
“You recorded me without permission.”
“It was the neighbor’s camera,” he replied.
“And it recorded a child asking you to save two infants.”
Carmen’s face reddened.
“You do not understand my daughter.
Anna has manipulated me for years.
She creates emergencies whenever she wants attention.”
Dr.
Ramirez stepped from behind Diego’s bassinet.
“Those babies were not part of a performance.
Another hour without treatment could have killed them.”
Carmen looked away.
Laura opened her folder and removed a hospital protective-hold form.
“Until Child Protective Services completes an emergency assessment, none of the children can leave with you.”
“I am their closest relative.”
“You were also the closest adult when they needed help.”
Carmen’s hand tightened around her purse.
“My attorney will destroy this hospital.”
“You may call your attorney from the lobby,” Laura said.
“Security will escort you.”
When Carmen tried to step around her, two security officers blocked the path.
