Chapter 11 - THE WINDOW I BROKE
The prosecutor charged me with misdemeanor property damage.
Richard’s car window replacement:
$1,280.
Interior glass cleanup:
$360.
Paint correction from the bat striking the frame:
$740.
Total:
$2,380.
My lawyer negotiated diversion.
Restitution.
Anger-management counseling.
Community service.
No weapons-related enhancement because the bat was used against property, not a person, and no threat to strike Richard could be proven.
The judge still asked:
“Why use a baseball bat?”
“To make him feel what Ethan felt.”
“Did the car feel anything?”
“No.”
“Who did?”
“My son. My wife. My parents.”
“Did your act improve safety?”
“No.”
“Then what did it do?”
I swallowed.
“It turned my anger into another thing my son had to watch.”
The judge approved diversion.
If completed successfully, the charge could be dismissed under local law.
Richard complained publicly that I got special treatment.
The prosecutor replied through a statement that diversion was consistent with first-offense property cases involving restitution and no bodily injury.
Good.
No secret Carter privilege.
I attended every counseling session.
My therapist, Dr. Helen Morris, asked:
“What would you do if the same thing happened today?”
“Get Ethan away.”
“What about Richard?”
“Tell him the bicycle is ours and call police if necessary.”
“What about the window?”
“Leave it intact.”
“Would that feel satisfying?”
“No.”
“Is satisfaction the safety standard?”
“No.”
May you like
Annoying woman.
Useful.
