Chapter 12 - ULRIC’S CRIMINAL CASE
Ulric faced two central allegations.
Child endangerment/property destruction for smashing the glass table beside Esmond.
Aggravated assault or assault with a dangerous instrument for swinging the bat at me.
Exact statutory classification depended on the jurisdiction and prosecutor.
No serious physical injury.
No prior felony record.
The state offered a negotiated resolution after reviewing evidence.
Ulric refused the first offer.
He said I attacked him.
Then the 911 audio complicated that.
The call from Esmond’s emergency phone connected before I entered.
Audio captured:
My footsteps.
My voice:
“Put the bat down. Now.”
Ulric:
“Get out.”
Then movement.
Then a sharp whoosh and impact.
Then me grunting.
Then the bat hitting floor.
Not perfect visual evidence.
Still consistent with my account.
Esmond’s child interview separately said:
“Uncle Ulric swung at Uncle Rhy.”
He was not put on a witness stand at that stage.
Good.
Then Ulric’s lawyer shifted toward self-defense but recognized risk.
Plea discussions continued.
Separately, the shattered table cost about $900.
Tavian’s trust owned household property? The table had been Tavian’s. Estate had not distributed yet. The estate insurer? No need. Ulric agreed to cover replacement/cleanup eventually.
Then my restraint.
Police reviewed.
No charge.
The officer wrote:
Force used appeared limited to disarming and restraining after bat swing.
Good.
No need pretend I was invincible.
My shoulder hurt for eight days.
I went to physical therapy twice.
Mostly stretching.
Esmond asked:
“Did I make Uncle Ulric hit you?”
“No.”
“Because I called?”
“No.”
“Because I said I want you?”
May you like
“No.”
That question made me understand how deeply Ulric had made choice feel dangerous.
