Molly sat in the back of the taxi, reassuring herself, "No worries, if I can't carry him, there's always his uncle to help." She shut the car door and gave the driver an address.
The weather was sweltering, but the car's AC was doing its best. Still, little Henry insisted on having the window down, gripping the edge with his tiny hand as he took in the passing streets. His cheeks still bore traces of dried tears, leaving him with words unspoken.
They pulled up at the precinct. Molly carried the toddler inside, and the security guard, spotting them, exclaimed, "Molly, whose cute little guy is this? Let grandpa hold him!"
Molly tried handing over her nephew, but Henry, wary of strangers, clung to her clothes, crying. Molly chuckled, giving up and holding him close, patting his back soothingly. "This is Henry from the Andre clan. He got himself into trouble at home, and his mom gave him a spanking, so we're here to tell Uncle Chad."
She tilted her head and gently kissed Henry's cheek. "Henry, let's ask your uncle if a spanking counts as domestic violence, shall we? Then we might check for some bruises and head back to make a little fuss with your mom." Henry eagerly nodded, "Oh wow~"
Molly asked, "Is Chad around today?"
"Yep, as far as I know, he hasn't gone out on any calls."
Nodding, Molly walked through the courtyard with her little bundle, teasing him, "Henry, when you see Uncle Chad, just let those tears flow, alright? It'll make our 'victim' role more convincing."
As they walked, Annie happened to come out from next door. She'd been in Havenbrook for a week and was settling in quickly. Having studied here in college before moving back home, she seized a chance to return. Things seemed different, yet much was the same.
Dressed casually, she strolled through the yard, suddenly bumping into Molly, who was busy coaching her nephew on how to look pitiful. They both stopped, locking eyes, surprised.
Henry, nestled in his aunt's arms, turned his head, wondering why his aunt had stopped teaching him to cry. "Mama~ muh-muh~"
Annie's eyes landed on the chubby little Henry, and Molly stood frozen, unsure of what to say. Annie's face briefly flashed with panic, but she quickly smiled, "He's adorable."
Molly caught the hint of panic, "Thanks."
Annie moved on, and Molly turned to find Chad in the precinct. Entering the office, she heard Donnie whistling, "Hey, the Andre family's little champ is here! The Cedillo family's little Leo has arrived."
Henry's aunt's coaching wasn't wasted. As soon as he saw a room full of strangers, he started wailing. His cries caught Uncle Chad's attention.
Officer Chad stepped out, grinning, "Is Henry here to hang out with Uncle again?" He took his nephew in his arms, "Tell me, why the tears this time?"
"Mum, it hurts," Molly explained with a complicated look at Chad. "Mia gave him a spanking at home, so we're here to file a complaint."
Chad wiped the little one's tears, holding him close as they returned to the office, "Come on, tell Uncle where mom hit you and why."
Henry couldn't articulate his frustration. Molly entered, closing the door, hesitating. "Chad, I heard from the guard there's a new colleague next door?"
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