“She’s breathing funny,” Jamie said urgently.
I told the dispatcher.
An ambulance was already on its way.
And for the first time that night, I realized something that would haunt me for weeks.
While Claire and I were arguing about who was responsible, Jamie was the only person watching our daughter.
## THE THIRTEEN MINUTES THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
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The paramedics arrived at 2:21 a.m.
I remember the time because the digital clock above the hallway thermostat glowed like an accusation.
Eight minutes had passed since Sophie’s scream.
Eight minutes that felt longer than my entire life.
Two paramedics hurried through the front door.
A woman named Rachel immediately knelt beside Sophie.
Her partner began asking questions.
“How old?”
“Eight months.”
“Any previous medical problems?”
“No.”
“Did anyone witness the fall?”
Claire pointed at Jamie.
“He did something to her.”
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Rachel looked up.
“What happened?”
Jamie opened his mouth.
