Chapter 13 - The Camera Was Supposed to Be Dark
Dad formally withdrew his request for visitation.
Mom refused.
Their joint attorney withdrew from representing both due conflict.
Dad hired separate counsel.
He wrote me:
I will not ask a judge to force Emma to see me.
I did not respond.
Mom hired another lawyer and continued.
She claimed the camera conversations were taken out of context.
She had wanted privacy, not concealment.
Legally, perhaps.
But family court cared about judgment too.
Laura asked Dad under oath during a deposition:
“Why did Diane want the camera disabled?”
“Because she expected an argument.”
“Who was expected to confront whom?”
“Rachel and Claire. Possibly Rachel and Emma.”
“About?”
“Respect and sharing.”
“Did Diane believe Emma’s refusal to give Tyler the tablet was disrespect?”
“Yes.”
“Did you?”
Dad paused.
“At the time, yes.”
“And now?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because a child owning something is not disrespect.”
That sentence came five decades late.
Still true.
Then:
“Did Diane ever tell you Emma’s relationship with the family could be used to influence Claire?”
“Yes.”
“What did she say?”
“Claire does not care what we think anymore. She cares what Emma thinks.”
“Did that concern you?”
“Yes.”
“Did you object?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I was a coward.”
Mom’s lawyer objected to characterization.
The court reporter kept it anyway as his answer.
That evening Dad moved out of the house.
After forty one years.
May you like
Mom blamed me.
I did not respond.
