Morning shook the blinds. Monica was already in the kitchen, rattling pans like a pep band.
“News?" Freya asked, sliding onto a stool.
Monica pointed with a spatula at the TV on mute. “Yes. Watch the crawl."
The words walked along the bottom of the screen: POLICE DETAIN JACKSON HALE AND OLIVIA LARSON FOR QUESTIONING. VIDEO EVIDENCE UNDER REVIEW.
Freya stared. “That was fast."
Monica unmuted. A reporter with careful hair spoke to camera. “—authorities cite a live video as key evidence. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the Hale residence this morning."
The feed cut to a shaky shot. A small crowd waved signs. Someone shouted, “Shame!" Another threw a paper cup. The door opened; Olivia appeared between two officers. She wore oversized sunglasses and a sweater like fragile armor. Pe
