“She made a false allegation of domestic violence,” I said.

“She was confused,” Daniel said, his voice rising in desperation.

“She is a child, Rachel.”

“She is old enough to understand the weight of an accusation,” I replied.

“She knew exactly what she was doing to my security clearance.”

“Please, Rachel,” Daniel whispered, his hands shaking.

“Just tell them there was a mistake with the camera system.”

“Tell them the files were corrupted.”

“We don’t need to show them this video.”

I looked at Harris, who gave a single, imperceptible nod.

He knew the protocol.

“The footage has already been logged into the incident report,” I said.

“I cannot falsify evidence to protect someone who tried to destroy my career.”

Daniel’s eyes hardened slightly.

The desperation in his face began to turn into something sharper, colder.

“Your career,” he spat softly.

“That’s all you care about.”

“Your daughter tried to have me arrested, Daniel,” I said.

“She knew what the consequences would be for me.”

Ava was sobbing openly now, her face buried in her hands at the top of the stairs.