"Just so you are aware, this is being recorded," The officer pointed at the camera in the corner of the room.
"Yes ma'am," I nodded, sitting up straight.
"I just want to tell you now that you are not in any trouble. I want you to answer these questions truthfully. We are here to help, okay?" Her voice was calm and comforting.
"I'm ready," I took a deep breath. She took out a pen and a notepad, preparing us for questioning.
"Are you and your younger brother both victims of child abuse?" Wow, she is getting straight to the point.
"Yes, we used to live with my dad in Massachusetts. We were both physically and verbally abused by our father. I didn't know of my mother abusing him until today," I explained quickly. She nodded and started writing on her notepad.
"Do you live with your mother?" She asked, looking up at me.
"No, I live in an apartment about ten minutes away from my mom's house. I didn't even know she lived here until recently," I started thinking back on all the craziness.
"Did you ever physically or verbally fight back when the abuse was happening?" She tapped her pen on the table.
"I yelled sometimes, maybe even taunted them," I answered honestly.
"In the video recording, you yelled 'hit me' multiple times in your mother's face is that correct?" She furrowed her eyebrows, looking at me.
"Yes, that is true," I was confused at the sudden switch of questions.
"You and your mother have a court date coming up for custody, yes?" She tilted her head slightly.
"Yes, the 25th of September," I answered quickly.
"Do you have access to a lawyer, Ms. William?" She put her notepad in her pocket, sitting up straight.
"Yes," I nodded.
"There will be another court date," She rested her elbows on the table. "If it isn't scheduled before the custody battle, that date will be postponed," she began to explain. "But if she is found guilty you may have to face that battle against your father," My heart dropped.
"No," I shook my head. "He wouldn't even want him anyways, why would I have to-"
"We at least have to see if he would want custody, if not, the boy is yours," She quickly explained. "We can't just hand him over to you. Especially if your father hasn't been found guilty of his crimes," She looked as sad as I did.
"This is just what I have to tell you." She leaned forward. "Sadie, I was abused when I was little too. I went through the worst things imaginable," Her voice grew softer. "I'm on your side and I'm going to help you," She looked me in the eyes. "Here is my phone number, email, and address," She slipped me a piece of paper.
"Please if you need anything," She paused. "Anything. Call me," She grabbed my hands. "For now your brother can stay with you, but legally we need to contact your father," She explained further. "Ideally he won't want anything to do with your brother, but if he does. You need to fight," She nodded.
"I'll fight," I nodded.
"My name's Cody Odett," She told me. "You're free to go, Sadie," She nodded at the door.
"Thank you," I said sincerely, walking out of the office. "Can I call my boyfriend so he can pick me up?" I asked one of the officers at their desks.
"Sure thing, honey," An older officer handed me the phone. I dialed Harry's number, putting the phone to my ear. He answered immediately.
