Chapter 7 - THE HEARING
The hearing was moved forward.
Forty-eight hours.
Daniel's attorney argued that I was emotionally unstable.
She presented photographs.
Recordings.
Medical statements.
Messages.
Everything Daniel had collected.
But this time, I wasn't walking into that courtroom alone.
Mara testified first.
Then Claire.
Then the police.
The judge watched the basement footage.
Silence filled the courtroom.
Daniel's attorney tried to object.
"Your Honor, these recordings were obtained without consent."
The judge looked at her.
"Your client installed cameras throughout the marital home."
"Yes."
"Without telling the mother?"
She hesitated.
"Yes."
The judge frowned.
"Then your objection is noted."
Daniel sat behind his attorney.
He looked at me.
Not angry.
Not afraid.
Almost amused.
That scared me.
Because he still believed he had one final move.
Then my attorney stood.
"Your Honor, we have evidence of forged documents."
The judge examined the handwriting analysis.
Then the forged signature.
Then the plane ticket.
Then the emails.
Daniel's face finally changed.
His attorney whispered to him.
He shook his head.
"No."
The judge asked:
"Mr. Mercer, do you deny purchasing this ticket?"
Daniel said:
"Yes."
The police officer submitted the financial records.
Daniel had used his personal account.
The judge looked at him.
"Do you deny these records?"
Daniel didn't answer.
Then Claire testified.
Her voice shook.
But she didn't stop.
"My brother told me to tell the court that she was dangerous."
Daniel stared at her.
Claire continued.
"He told me to describe events that never happened."
His attorney objected.
The judge overruled.
Claire looked directly at me.
"I'm sorry."
I nodded.
She continued.
"He also told me that if I refused, he'd make sure I lost my son."
Daniel stood.
"That's a lie!"
The judge slammed the gavel.
"Sit down."
He sat.
But the damage was done.
Then came the recording.
Daniel's own voice.
Once she signs, the baby is ours.
The doctor asked:
And if she refuses?
Daniel:
Then we'll make her look like she can't be trusted.
Nobody moved.
The judge listened again.
Then a third time.
Daniel's attorney stood.
"Your Honor—"
The judge raised a hand.
"Sit down."
She sat.
The judge looked at Daniel.
"Mr. Mercer, did you make these statements?"
He stared at the floor.
Then he smiled.
"No."
The judge looked toward the clerk.
"Call the forensic audio specialist."
The specialist entered.
He explained that the recording showed no evidence of editing.
Daniel's attorney tried another argument.
"Even if the statements are genuine, they don't prove intent."
Mara stood.
"Then perhaps the surveillance footage will."
She submitted the video.
The courtroom watched Daniel carry the baby away while I was on the floor.
They watched him tell Claire what to say.
They watched him practice his concerned-husband voice before the police arrived.
They watched him rehearse the lie.
Then the judge paused the video.
"Mr. Mercer."
Daniel looked up.
"Why did you tell the police your wife had attacked you?"
Daniel opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
The judge leaned forward.
"Why?"
Finally, Daniel whispered:
"Because I was afraid."
The judge looked at me.
"Of her?"
Daniel nodded.
Then the judge asked:
"Then why did you lock her in a room?"
Daniel froze.
No answer.
The judge issued an emergency protective order.
Temporary sole custody went to me.
Daniel was ordered to have no contact with me or the baby.
The room erupted.
His attorney protested.
Daniel stood.
"This isn't over."
The judge warned him.
But Daniel looked at me.
"I told you."
His voice was low.
"I always get what I want."
I didn't respond.
Because for the first time, I knew he was lying.
Then the courtroom doors opened.
Two detectives entered.
One walked directly toward Daniel.
"Daniel Mercer?"
Daniel turned.
"Yes?"
"You're under arrest."
His face went blank.
"For what?"
The detective looked at me.
Then back at him.
"Forgery."
A pause.
"Fraud."
Another pause.
"And assault."
Daniel's smile disappeared.
But the detective wasn't finished.
"We also have a warrant to search your office."
Daniel's face went white.
The detective added:
"We've been told there may be evidence concerning another woman."
I looked at Mara.
Another woman?
Daniel stared at the detectives.
Then he whispered:
May you like
"She wasn't supposed to be found."
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