I contacted the police. The damaged parts, crash data, and booster seat became evidence. Detective Ramirez discovered a hit-and-run report matching the damage. Laura and Brent knew what had happened but had hidden it and told Noah to claim his injured lip came from falling off a swing.
I repaired the Mercedes and gave Laura and Brent a release form containing a statement that the damaged parts and crash data had been turned over to police. They signed without reading it. The next morning, police arrived at their lake house, arrested Brent, and seized the Mercedes.
The truth changed everything. Brent was charged with DUI, leaving the scene, and child endangerment. Laura admitted knowing he had been drinking. Family court gave me primary custody of the boys. Despite losing thousands of dollars on the Mercedes repair, I had protected my children.
