Chapter 11 - THE HEARINGOur attorney told us not to panic.
I panicked anyway.
James didn't.
"She wants a reaction," he said.
"We give facts."
At the hearing, Lauren arrived in a cream-colored coat.
Mom came with her.
Then Mom walked past Lauren and sat behind us.
Lauren turned.
"Mom?"
Mom looked straight ahead.
"I'm here to tell the truth."
The courtroom went silent.
Lauren's attorney tried to portray James as intimidating because of his military background.
Our attorney asked one question:
"Did Captain Walker ever touch Ms. Hayes?"
"No."
"Did he threaten physical harm?"
Lauren hesitated.
Then Megan's Christmas video played.
The slap.
Emma's scream.
James saying:
"Get out."
Nothing more.
Then our doorbell footage played.
Lauren arriving.
Provoking Mom.
Moving toward Dad.
James saying:
"Back up."
The judge denied the protective order.
Outside, Lauren approached me.
"You think you won?"
I looked at her.
"You hit my baby."
For once, she had no answer.
Mom approached.
Lauren turned on her.
"This is your fault."
Mom's eyes filled.
"No."
She took a breath.
"I helped create it. That's different."
Lauren stared at her.
"You paid the lawyer."
"Yes."
"You told me Claire was weak."
Mom whispered:
"Yes."
"Then don't pretend you're better than me."
Mom nodded.
"I'm not pretending."
Lauren walked away.
That afternoon, our attorney called.
The bank had stopped another withdrawal.
Ten thousand dollars.
May you like
The person who tried to take it?
My mother.
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