“I don’t need a follow-up call,” Julie said.
Richard exhaled with exasperation. “This is insane. I’ve never been in any trouble with the law.”
“You’re not in trouble. This is just standard procedure.”
“I don’t care. It’s outrageous that someone can fabricate an allegation, then kick off a series of mandatory investigations.”
“I understand your concern.”
“Now this is part of my permanent record? I’ve done nothing.”
“These laws are in place to protect victims who are afraid to come forward.”
“I’m not afraid of anyone,” Julie said. “Least of all my husband.”
"I'm sorry to have disturbed you. I won't take up anymore of your time. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Richard scoffed before closing the door.
I left and walked back to the patio of the house next door.
Zoe greeted me with eager eyes. "So? What did they say?”
"Tell me again exactly what you saw."
Zoe took a deep breath. "I saw a man… A rather handsome man in his mid-50s with silver hair hit a young blonde woman.”
"When you say hit, do you mean an open-handed slap, or a punch?”
Zoe hesitated for a moment. "I can't really be sure. Does it matter? It happened so quickly, and I was watching from the display screen.”
"So you were watching the display screen on the drone’s remote?”
"It's a 6K camera. Super high definition.”
"How big is the display screen on your remote?”
“I synced it with Bluetooth to my phone.”
"So you were using your phone as the display?”
“Yes.”
“You think you could be mistaken about what happened?”
The muscles in her jaw flexed, and she glared at me. "I did not mistake anything. I know what I saw!"
Zoe got more than a little defensive.
I raised my hands in surrender. "I believe you think you saw Mr. Pearson hit his wife. But I've spoken to both of them. I see nothing to indicate any domestic abuse. Mrs. Pearson assures me that she is fine and not in any danger.”
"She's afraid to speak out. Can't you see that?”
"Could be.”
"She's afraid he's going to beat her harder if she says anything. You've got to do something!”
"I’m required to fill out a domestic violence report. But there's nothing else I can do at this point. I need probable cause to make an arrest, and right now, I don't have it.”
