Ryan Lawson froze for a split second, then obeyed. He marched to the courtyard gate and slammed the heavy bolt home, sealing us in.
Derek turned his cold gaze on the terrified children.
"Inside. All of you. Game room upstairs." His eyes bore into them. "You saw nothing today. You were just playing in the snow. Understood?"
Not a question. An order.
The children exchanged nervous glances. A few younger ones wailed, but the older cousins grabbed them and dragged them toward the stairs, vanishing into the house.
My shock began to fracture. Trembling, I reached for the mascot's oversized headpiece. I had to know who was inside.
Before my fingers touched the fabric, a brutal force slammed into me. Derek shoved me aside, sending me sprawling onto the ice.
He loomed over me, his expression twisting into performed grief and rage.
"Now you decide to care?" he spat. "Why weren't you watching him? This is your fault!"
Margaret's wails pierced the air right on cue.
"How many times did I tell you? Too many people today! I told you not to let him run wild, but you wouldn't listen! Are you satisfied now?"
The relatives swarmed like vultures, picking up the narrative.
"That suit is a death trap! We told you not to put him in it!"
"You insisted it was festive. You just had to mess around..."
Rehearsed lines. Every face etched with feigned regret and accusation.
I saw through them instantly. They were replaying my past life, pinning "my son's" death squarely on me.
I scrambled to my feet, glaring at the mob. "You're twisting the truth! You did this! You killed him!"
Their expressions hardened. Derek grabbed my arm, his grip bruising, and dragged me toward the house.
"Sarah, you need to take responsibility."
Diana was already waiting inside. She thrust a printed document and pen at me the moment we entered.
"Sign it," Derek ordered, pointing at the signature line. "Family accidents shouldn't become criminal cases. We can't let the other kids get a record because of a mistake."
I stared at the paper. Accidental Death Liability Waiver.
I acknowledge that my inadequate supervision led to the child's accidental death during play. I voluntarily waive the right to pursue legal action against family members or friends, and I promise not to involve the police or press charges...
I looked up at him, my gaze cold.
"You know it wasn't me."
Derek leaned in, his voice dropping to a manipulative whisper.