Daisy walked forward taking small, careful steps across the carpet. When she reached Penelope, she stopped right beside her chair.
“I’m so sorry,” the child whispered softly, her big eyes filling with fresh tears.
Penelope’s face broke open with immediate emotion. “Sweetheart, what in the world are you sorry for?”
“For not telling you sooner,” Daisy replied, her voice quivering.
A deep chill settled over the entire courtroom as everyone strained to listen.
Gabriel’s attorney immediately rose to his feet. “Your Honor, I strongly request a formal recess before any further statements are made by this minor!”
“Request denied,” the judge snapped with a tone that was flat and final. “The child came to this court completely voluntarily.”
Daisy turned her head slightly and looked directly at Bianca. “She told me that if I ever told anyone, Daddy would send me far away.”
Bianca’s mouth opened wide in shock, but absolutely nothing came out.
