Chapter 11 - GRANDMOTHER
Linda denied knowing about the petition.
I believed parts.
She knew the family disliked my caution.
She knew Richard thought Ethan was spoiled.
She did not know Tyler had drafted formal conduct allegations.
Then Detective Ortiz showed her the video.
Ethan bending.
Tyler swinging.
Linda cried.
Not immediately.
First she said:
“He didn’t mean to break it.”
That sentence almost ended our relationship.
“Mom.”
“I mean his leg.”
“I know what you meant.”
“He was angry.”
“That is not better.”
She covered her mouth.
“I didn’t know.”
“You saw him standing there.”
“I thought—”
“You told my son boys get hurt.”
“I panicked.”
“No.”
She looked at me.
“You minimized.”
Silence.
May you like
“Yes.”
That was more honest.
