The officers spoke to them separately. Lucia described the reaching hand, the open car door, and Carmen’s demand. She did not soften the account of her own action.
“I was frightened. I reacted. I should have kept my hand down and called for help.”
Across the courtyard, Carmen’s voice rose.
“I am family. This is a private misunderstanding.”
Javier showed an officer his recording. Lucia stood several paces away, unable to hear everything. She recognized Carmen’s voice from the phone speaker.
“He’s coming with me. Move.”
Then her own.
“Stay behind me, sweetheart.”
Daniel lowered his head.
The driver had remained outside. When approached, he explained that Carmen had booked him for a journey out of Madrid. He had been told he would collect a woman and her grandson.
Lucia stared through the gate.
“Out of Madrid?”
Daniel looked at his mother.
“You said you were bringing him a coat.”
“You needed someone to do something.”
“Where were you taking him?”
Carmen pulled her shawl closer.
“To the house. Just until she became reasonable.”
Lucia knew the house: a family property outside the city, where Carmen had always controlled the meals, the conversations, and which doors stayed locked.
“For how long?” she asked.
“That would depend on you.”
Daniel stepped away from his mother.
“Did you expect me to explain where he was afterward?”
“I expected you to behave like a father.”
The officer interrupted and continued his questions. Carmen was asked to provide her account; Lucia was told her action would also be recorded. Nobody promised that the video would make the slap disappear.
Before leaving, Daniel approached Lucia. His mother waited near the gate, refusing to look at him.
“I didn’t know.”
Lucia studied his face.
“I told you she was threatening to change the arrangements.”
“I thought she was being dramatic.”
“You thought I was.”
He did not deny it.
From Ines’s doorway, Mateo called for her. Lucia went to him without waiting for Daniel to find another explanation.
