Chapter 8 - The First Hearing

Vanessa filed for emergency custody Monday morning.

Daniel expected it.

"This image shows Mr. Reed using physical force at a child's birthday party."

Aaron stood.

"After discovering his six-year-old daughter restrained outdoors and soaked with water."

"My client disputes that characterization."

"I've reviewed the police incident report. I am also aware there is video."

So did Rachel.

"Ms. Reed, did you authorize the child to be tied to that post?"

Vanessa spoke softly.

"It was not meant to hurt her."

"That was not my question."

Vanessa paused.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"She was having a severe behavioral episode."

Daniel's jaw tightened.

"Is the child currently with Mr. Reed?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Any safety concerns reported by the child advocate?"

"No."

"Temporary primary custody remains with the father pending investigation. Ms. Reed will have no unsupervised contact."

"We have additional evidence relevant to Mr. Reed's temperament."

His voice was raised.

"You keep doing this. You spend money, lie about it, then tell me I'm crazy for noticing."

The clip ended.

Another played.

Another.

Daniel saying, "Don't push me tonight."

The courtroom murmured.

Daniel looked at Aaron.

"Those are edited."

"I know."

Vanessa watched him.

Aaron stood.

"We request the complete source files, metadata, and all surrounding footage."

The judge agreed.

"Your Honor, may I address the court?"

Judge Brooks allowed it.

Morales stepped forward.

"This morning, forensic analysts recovered deleted segments from the same camera system."

Morales continued.

"The clips presented by Ms. Reed's counsel appear to have been cut immediately after statements by Ms. Reed designed to provoke an angry response."

"Do you have an example?"

Morales nodded.

The screen changed.

"Maybe Lily would be better off if you disappeared like your father did."

Then Daniel's voice:

"Don't push me tonight."

"Counsel, I suggest you review the provenance of every piece of evidence before you present another recording to this court."

"We also recovered a deleted planning document."

Daniel looked at her.

"What planning document?"

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"It is titled 'Saturday Scene.'"

Vanessa closed her eyes.