Vanessa felt a surge of resentment. “This isn’t slander; what she’s done is likely far worse than this.”

“Still, we need evidence,” the police officer urged patiently.

Unable to argue with the officer, Vanessa felt less inclined to speak.

However, the officer acknowledged some of Vanessa’s suggestions, officially opening an investigation into the case while also reviewing related case files to explore any connections.

At the hospital, Cassandra was distressed to ...