Chapter 14 - Lydia’s defense

Lydia said she believed Louisa stole the bracelet.
That part might have been genuine.
She had been manipulated by Heather.
But believing a three-year-old took jewelry did not justify:
Shaving her head.
Binding her.
Putting her outside barefoot in winter.
Lydia told police:
“It was for two minutes.”
Video timestamps and witness accounts suggested closer to six.
Still not an hour.
Still dangerous.
Still terrifying.
She said:
“My parents disciplined us harshly.”
The detective replied:
May you like
“She is three.”
Lydia looked away.