Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115706 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115706 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“Yes, I recall seeing Caleb being violent in my presence,” I testify, averting my eyes from Caleb. “He was building a deck at his lake house in Montana, and after he’d dropped a tool on his foot, he kicked that tool violently and shouted a string of curse words I shouldn’t say in a courtroom.” It’s a true story. But even so, I know I’m being less than truthful by bringing up this story, rather than the one about the slap in Billings.
“That’s not the kind of violence I’m asking about. Have you seen Caleb hit, kick, punch, shove, or otherwise assault another human being, including you, the child, or your parents?”
I glance at my father who’s sitting alone in the front row, since my mother must have gone back to be with Raine again. My parents know all about what happened to Trent in Billings. I told them and Miranda that delightful story during Caleb’s “rehab is over!” dinner party; and everyone at the table, including my father, busted a gut laughing about it. My father, in particular, praised Caleb up and down for slapping Trent that day. In fact, I’m positive my father appreciated that demonstration of Caleb’s character, far more than his generous gift of that new truck.
When my eyes meet my father’s, he nods at me, almost imperceptibly, letting me know he approves of my less-than-forthcoming testimony. Emboldened, I lean into the microphone and say, “The Caleb I know has always been gentle and non-violent in my presence. My whole family loves and supports him, completely. If I had any qualms about Caleb as a parent or as a man, if I thought he was a threat in any way, trust me, I’d tell you that. I love the child too much to let her fall into the hands of anyone who’d be anything but a wonderful, gentle parent to her.”
I happen to catch Caleb’s gaze and quickly look away when it feels like his eyes are screaming “I love you!” I feel the same way, of course. But now isn’t the time for anyone to see that truth in my eyes. Now is the time for me to keep a poker face.
Practically rolling his eyes, Ralph’s attorney asks, “Does that mean you’ve never personally witnessed him being violent?”
I take a deep breath. Please, God, let him be fishing right now. “That’s correct.”
Ralph’s attorney exhales and his shoulders sag in resignation. “No further questions, your honor.” And just like that, we’ve reached the end of my presentation.
“We’ll take an hour for lunch,” the judge declares. “After that, we’ll start the afternoon with Mr. Baumgarten’s presentation.”
Chapter 32
Caleb
I’m shitting bricks as my first character witness, my sister, Miranda, takes the witness stand. I know she loves me, but our relationship has been strained at times, as I’ve pushed her loyalty and patience to the brink. She’s also got no filter, this chick. Which, normally, I consider a cool thing. A funny thing. Not in this context, though.
“What’s your relation to Caleb?” Paula asks Miranda, once my sister gets settled in the hot seat.
“He’s my big brother and my hero. He’s four years older than me.”
Paula smiles. “You know Caleb well?”
“Very well.”
“Why do you consider him to be your hero?”
“Because he’s always been my protector. Always had my back.”
“Is Caleb a perfect man?”
My sister snorts. “Far from it.”
“Even so, would you have any qualms, if your brother were granted full custody of the child?”
“Not a single one. I’m positive he’d be a fantastic father to her.” She flashes me a loving smile that makes my heart skip a beat.
“You’ve seen Caleb with the child?”
“Yes. He’s adorable with her. It’s the cutest thing, ever.”
With prompting, Miranda launches into explaining her recent visit to Prairie Springs, and all the specific things she witnessed that have caused her to conclude her niece would be in good hands with me, as her full-time, custodial parent.
“Aubrey and her family should always be in her life, too, though,” Miranda adds, unprompted. “They’re family now. That was clear to me when I spent time with everyone in Prairie Springs.”
I scribble a note on the pad between Aubrey and me: So far, so good.
Honestly, I can’t fathom the glowing, unqualified review Miranda is giving of me—under oath, no less—when I know full well I’ve pissed her off, endlessly, over the years. But then again, I can’t imagine my sister would say any of this, if she didn’t truly believe it’d be the best thing for Raine. Knowing Miranda, she’d pick Raine’s wellbeing over my wishes, any day. And rightly so.
After a while, Ralph’s attorney gets the chance to cross-examine my sister. With a smirk, he immediately goes for the jugular. “You’ve personally witnessed your brother being violent on many occasions, have you not?”
“Several times. But not in a long while.”