Everyone started murmuring as the screen behind us crackled to life. Naomi turned to me wide eyed, whispering. “What the hell are you doing now?”
“You’ll see,” I said.
The video started.
Naomi appeared on it, standing in the bathroom from last night. I had turned on my camera after failing to find an Uber last night. I had held the phone in my hand, angled at her so she wouldn’t suspect a thing.
Her words from last night were loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Goodnight, Cassandra. I find it hilarious, locking you in here just like I locked your bastard daughter out in the snow. Hopefully, you’ll die just like she did!”
A wave of gasps rolled through the hall.
Naomi stumbled back. “Th- that’s not real! That’s been edited!”
Isaac turned to me with fire in his eyes. “Stop this madness right now!”
I didn’t listen to him. The video kept playing on a loop as I spoke. “As you can see, the truth is finally out for all to see. Naomi Thorne killed my daughter! I took her in as a friend, and she destroyed my life. And my dear husband and brother took her side. I spent months and months being taunted by them. I could barely breathe in my own home. The two people that I called my family turned on me. My husband didn’t even hide the fact that he was sleeping with my best friend anymore. They paraded proudly in front of me, knowing that I was helpless. They took my child and then threw me in jail for almost a year! But I won’t be silenced anymore.”
Camera flashes were going crazy. I’d invited the press without anyone knowing, and before you knew it, the entire country would know the truth.
Isaac’s voice shook. “Cassandra, stop this—”
“No.” My voice was calm. “You stopped me once. Never again.” I turned to the police men I had called over. “Now you have your evidence, arrest the woman who killed my baby.”
“What?” Naomi shrieked as the officers marched toward her. “You can’t do this. No! Isaac you can’t let them take me! Julian!”
Isaac tried to stop the officers but they were too strong for him. I watched in satisfaction as Naomi was dragged away, yelling profanities.
“This isn’t over, Cassandra! You think you can lock me up? I’ll be back before you know it!”
“Cassandra, what is this madness?” Isaac tried to pull my arm, but I pulled away from him.
With a deep sign, I set the mic down, turned my back on all of them, and walked away.