Daniel set Sophie down on the living room sofa with soft reassurance.
He walked over to the kitchen counter where Rachel was preparing dinner.
The air between them felt thick, heavy with unsaid tension and suspicion.
Daniel: We need to talk about your discipline methods, Rachel.
Rachel: I have raised three successful children of my own, Daniel.
Daniel: That doesn't matter. You are hired to care for my daughter, not lock her up.
Rachel set down her paring knife with a loud, deliberate thud.
Rachel: You work sixty hours a week. You aren't here to see her misbehave.
Daniel: Sophie is a quiet child. She has never misbehaved like this before.
Rachel: She is spoiled because you feel guilty about her mother.
The words hit Daniel like a physical blow, kindling a sharp anger.
He took a step closer, keeping his voice low so Sophie wouldn't hear.
Daniel: Do not ever speak about my late wife again, Rachel.
Rachel: I am just telling you the harsh reality of raising a child alone.
Daniel turned back toward the living room to check on his daughter.
Sophie was sitting perfectly still, staring blankly at the dark television screen.
Her usual energetic chatter was completely gone, replaced by a deep stillness.
Daniel decided he needed to look into things much more closely.
Later that night, after Rachel retired to her guest room downstairs, Daniel entered Sophie's bedroom.
He sat on the edge of her small bed and smoothed her hair back.
Daniel: Sophie, look at me. Has Rachel been mean to you?
Sophie pulled the blanket up to her chin, avoiding his eyes.
Sophie: She told me not to tell you anything, Daddy.
Daniel: You can tell me anything. I am here to protect you always.
Sophie: She gets really angry when you leave town for work.
Daniel: What does she do when she gets angry?
Sophie: She yells loudly, grabs my arms hard, and puts me in the closet.
Sophie began to cry softly into her pillow, her small shoulders shaking.
Sophie: She said if I told you, you would send me away too.
Daniel felt a wave of cold fury rush through his entire body.
He pulled his daughter close, kissing the top of her head gently.
Daniel: Nobody is ever sending you away. I promise you that.
He stayed in her room until she finally fell into a peaceful sleep.
Daniel walked back down the hallway, his mind spinning with urgent thoughts.
He needed solid proof before taking legal action against the nanny.
He decided to order small security cameras to install around the house.