On the fourth day, Margaret visited.
She brought a small bouquet of flowers.
Claire smiled when she saw her.
CLAIRE: "You shouldn't have brought anything."
MARGARET: "I wanted to."
Margaret placed the flowers on the bedside table.
MARGARET: "Your garden is waiting for you."
Claire laughed softly.
CLAIRE: "I hope the plants survived."
MARGARET: "James has been trying."
Claire looked at her son.
JAMES: "What?"
MARGARET: "I heard you've been watering the plants."
James smiled.
JAMES: "I'm doing my best."
Claire shook her head.
CLAIRE: "Did you water the flowers near the porch?"
JAMES: "Yes."
CLAIRE: "And the small ones near the walkway?"
James paused.
JAMES: "I think so."
Margaret laughed.
For a brief moment, the room felt lighter.
Then Margaret sat down.
MARGARET: "I also wanted to tell you that the department has contacted me again."
Claire looked at her.
CLAIRE: "About the recording?"
MARGARET: "Yes. They wanted to confirm a few details."
James leaned forward.
JAMES: "Did they say anything about the investigation?"
MARGARET: "They said the evidence was still being reviewed."
James nodded.
MARGARET: "But they seemed to be taking it seriously."
Claire looked down at the flowers.
CLAIRE: "I hope nobody else has to experience something like this."
Margaret reached for her hand.
MARGARET: "That's why it's important that people speak up when they witness something wrong."
James nodded.
JAMES: "We aren't asking for anything unreasonable. We just want the truth."
Margaret looked at him.
MARGARET: "And you deserve to have it heard."
The three of them remained together for a while.
They talked about Claire's recovery, the garden, and the things she wanted to do once she returned home.
But beneath the ordinary conversation, the investigation continued.
And a new development was about to make the situation even more serious.
***
At the police department, Laura Bennett received the preliminary findings from the professional standards team.
The report identified several inconsistencies between Ryan's initial statement and the available recordings.
The team had also requested additional information about the reason for the original encounter.
Laura read the findings carefully.
One section concerned Ryan's description of Claire as uncooperative.
Another concerned his explanation for using physical contact.
A third section examined the confrontation with James.
The report did not make a final determination about every allegation.
However, it established that the incident required further formal examination.
Laura called Ryan into another meeting.
When he arrived, she placed the report on the desk.
SERGEANT BENNETT: "We have reviewed the available footage."
Ryan sat down.
RYAN: "Alright."
SERGEANT BENNETT: "There are several inconsistencies that we need to discuss."
Ryan looked at the report.
RYAN: "What inconsistencies?"
Laura opened the file.
SERGEANT BENNETT: "Your statement says Claire became aggressive before you made physical contact."
Ryan nodded.
RYAN: "That's how I remember it."
SERGEANT BENNETT: "The witness recording shows you approaching her while she was working in the garden."
Ryan remained silent.
SERGEANT BENNETT: "It also shows you taking hold of her shirt before James comes outside."
RYAN: "The recording doesn't show everything."
SERGEANT BENNETT: "That is why we are reviewing every available source."
Ryan leaned back.
RYAN: "I was trying to maintain control."
Laura looked directly at him.
SERGEANT BENNETT: "Control of what?"
Ryan did not answer immediately.
The room became quiet.
Laura continued.
SERGEANT BENNETT: "We need a clear explanation of the original reason for the encounter."
Ryan looked down at the table.
RYAN: "I was responding to a complaint in the neighborhood."
SERGEANT BENNETT: "We are checking that information."
Ryan looked up.
RYAN: "What are you suggesting?"
SERGEANT BENNETT: "I'm not suggesting anything. I'm asking you to provide accurate information."
Ryan's expression became tense.
RYAN: "I already told you what happened."
SERGEANT BENNETT: "And the evidence will be considered alongside your statement."
Laura closed the folder.
SERGEANT BENNETT: "Until the review is completed, you will remain away from ordinary patrol duties."
Ryan stared at her.
RYAN: "You're taking me off patrol?"
SERGEANT BENNETT: "This is a temporary administrative measure while the investigation continues."
Ryan looked visibly frustrated.
RYAN: "I've been an officer for years."
SERGEANT BENNETT: "Your length of service does not remove the need for an investigation."
Ryan stood.
He looked at Laura for a moment.
Then he left the office.
Laura remained seated.
She knew that the decision would not be popular with Ryan.
But the investigation had to continue.
The recordings had raised serious questions.
And the department could not ignore them.
***
That evening, James received another call.
This time, it was from the hospital.
A nurse informed him that Claire's condition had improved and that the medical team was discussing her discharge plan.
James thanked her.
He walked into Claire's room.
JAMES: "Mom, I have some good news."
Claire looked up.
CLAIRE: "What is it?"
JAMES: "The doctor thinks you may be able to go home soon."
Claire smiled.
CLAIRE: "Really?"
JAMES: "Yes. They just want to make sure everything is stable first."
Claire looked relieved.
CLAIRE: "I miss my house."
James laughed softly.
JAMES: "I know."
CLAIRE: "And I miss my garden."