The responders asked questions about possible exposures.
Had anyone used new sunscreen?
Applied unfamiliar lotions?
Entered the water after using cosmetic products?
Or noticed unusual substances?
Rebecca looked toward the pool.
Then said quietly.
"Victoria brought some kind of spa treatment."
The medical responder asked what kind.
Rebecca pointed toward the container on the table.
"I don't know. She said it would make the water feel luxurious."
Victoria immediately shook her head.
"That had nothing to do with this."
The responder remained professional.
"We're not making that determination here. We need accurate information about anything people may have been exposed to."
For several seconds, Victoria was silent.
Then she looked toward Anthony.
He was standing near Officer Ruiz with his phone.
Her expression changed again.
The confidence she'd displayed while accusing him was beginning to collapse.
But she wasn't ready to admit the possibility that something she brought had caused the problem.
Not in front of the guests.
Not in front of police.
And certainly not in front of the young homeowner she'd spent months trying to intimidate.
Officer Ruiz watched the recording.
Anthony held the phone while the officer viewed the relevant segment without taking possession of it.
The video showed Victoria entering the backyard with guests.
It showed her arranging the party supplies.
And it showed her adding the contents of the BloomMist container to the pool.
The officer watched the sequence twice.
Then looked toward Victoria.
"Mrs. Whitmore, did you bring that product?"
She hesitated.
"It's a normal spa treatment."
Elena nodded.
"Was it approved for this specific swimming pool?"
Victoria looked toward Anthony.
"How would I know? He never cooperates with anything!"
The officer remained calm.
"Did you ask the owner whether it was safe to add?"
Victoria's face reddened.
"This is being blown completely out of proportion."
Rebecca stepped closer.
"Victoria, you told us it was part of the experience."
The HOA president turned sharply.
"Rebecca, please."
But Rebecca didn't stop.
"You charged us for this."
Anthony looked toward her.
"Charged you?"
The woman nodded.
"Forty-five dollars each."
For several seconds, he was silent.
Then looked toward Victoria.
She avoided his eyes.
Officer Ruiz asked whether the gathering was a commercial event.
Victoria immediately protested.
"It was an HOA fundraiser."
The officer noted the explanation.
Then asked who authorized use of the property.
Victoria began describing association recreational powers.
Anthony offered copies of his written objections.
The officer reviewed the relevant information.
Then explained that the immediate priority was preserving evidence, ensuring medical needs were addressed, and documenting the competing accounts.