Chapter 15 - Eleanor Under Oath
Eleanor testified for defense at Julian’s trial.
Despite her own plea.
Her lawyer advised? She could if subpoena and plea allowed. She chose.
She wanted save son.
Prosecutor asked:
“Did you sign false trust amendment?”
“Yes.”
“Did Julian ask?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know Genevieve had not signed?”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you saying Julian believed she approved?”
Eleanor’s face tightened.
“Because Genevieve had promised him a share many times.”
I stared.
Had I?
I had said:
“Someday we should figure out equity.”
That is not promise 60 percent on death.
Then:
“Did Genevieve tell you she wanted Julian to inherit control?”
“No.”
“Did she sign in your presence?”
“No.”
“Did you see her sign at all?”
“No.”
Then hospital.
“Why slap?”
“She insulted my son.”
“What did she say?”
“She called Victoria his mistress.”
True.
Victoria was.
Then:
“Did that justify striking postoperative patient?”
“No.”
“Did you know she could not move legs?”
“Yes.”
“Did you call her cripple?”
Eleanor looked down.
“Yes.”
“Did you say nobody would believe her?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I was angry.”
Then her payments.
“Did you perform property advisory?”
“I advised Julian.”
“On what?”
“Family.”
Court almost laughed? Not.
“Were invoices describing zoning and acquisition services truthful?”
“No.”
Then defense tried humanize.
Eleanor had lost husband.
Julian supported.
Genevieve helped mortgage.
She felt Genevieve controlled family with money.
Maybe true emotionally.
Eleanor said:
“She paid my mortgage and then everyone acted like I should worship her.”
I felt sting.
I never asked worship.
But perhaps she felt debt.
Then:
“She made Julian work for what should have been half his.”
Again.
Marriage as automatic corporate equity.
Then prosecutor:
“Mrs. Mercer, did Genevieve ever prevent Julian from starting his own company?”
“No.”
“Did she prevent him negotiating compensation?”
“No.”
“Did he earn more than $800,000 last full year?”
“Yes.”
“Did she prevent him divorcing?”
Eleanor went silent.
“No.”
That was it.
Julian had options.
Negotiate.
Leave.
Sue if contract.
Start business.
He chose forge.
Then Eleanor’s plea cooperation required truthful testimony. Prosecutors later did not allege perjury because much was opinion.
She returned to custody.
Months later she wrote a new letter.
This one different.
Genevieve,
I told myself Julian was entitled because he worked beside you.
I never asked whether I would say the same if you worked for his family company.
That surprised.
Then:
I would not.
There.
First crack.
Then:
I was wrong to hit you.
I do not expect access to Hazel.
I read twice.
May you like
No response then.
Maybe later.
