Yet somehow that silence proved far more unsettling than outrage would have been.
Those who knew Santiago understood that his temper was rarely displayed openly. Men who exploded in anger revealed their intentions immediately. Men like Santiago were different. The calmer he appeared, the more dangerous the situation usually became.
When he finally spoke, his voice remained level.
"Who reported this before?"
The question seemed simple enough.
Yet no one rushed to answer.
The adults present lowered their eyes. Some shifted uncomfortably. Others suddenly found great interest in examining the floor.
Eventually Santiago's attention moved toward the children.
"Matías."
The boy looked nervous.
Not because he feared Santiago, but because the attention of the entire room had suddenly fallen upon him.
After a brief hesitation, he lowered his eyes.
"We told them before."
His voice was quiet, yet in the silence of the reception hall it carried clearly enough for everyone to hear.
