Chapter 7 - The Porch Standoff
Back at 442 Elm Street, the tension on the porch was thick enough to cut with a knife. Officer Evans stood at the bottom of the wooden steps, his notebook in hand. David remained near the sidewalk, keeping a watchful eye on the scene.
On the porch stood Arthur, an elderly neighbor who usually kept to himself, and two women from Sarah's book club: Claire, who was fidgeting nervously with her pearl necklace, and Brenda, whose face was pale and drawn.
"Nobody is in trouble just yet," Officer Evans began, his voice calm but authoritative. "But a six-year-old girl was found unconscious in a garbage bin. I need to know exactly where each of you was during the last thirty minutes of the party."
Arthur cleared his throat. "I was sitting right here, Officer. I have a bad hip, so I didn't move much. I was watching the street."
"Did you see anyone go near the green bin?" Evans asked.
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"No," Arthur replied slowly. "But my vision isn't what it used to be, and the oak tree blocks the view of that corner."
Evans turned his sharp gaze to the two women. "And you ladies?"
