Chapter 5
Vanessa was not arrested that night.
That made James furious.
It made me furious too.
Paula explained that investigations take process.
Police had the neighbor’s video, photos, medical findings, my statement, Mom’s statement, and the closet.
But they needed to document properly.
I hated the word properly.
Abuse had not waited for proper.
Still, we followed the process.
Alicia Grant, the attorney James recommended, arrived at the hospital the next morning.
She wore silver glasses and looked like she considered hesitation a personal enemy.
She listened to everything.
Then said, “First, your mother does not go back to that house while Vanessa has access.”
“She can stay with me,” James said.
Mom opened her mouth.
I squeezed her hand.
“Please, Mom. For now.”
She nodded.
Alicia continued.
“Second, we file for a protective order.”
“Against my wife?”
Alicia looked at me.
“Against the person who allegedly withheld medication, forced sleeping in a closet, intimidated your mother, and placed her belongings in trash bags.”
The word wife disappeared from the room.
May you like
Good.
Sometimes titles protect the wrong person.
