Richard rushes inside carrying three-year-old Lily, barefoot, shaking, and covered in snow.
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Chapter 18 / 27
Chapter 18 - CLAUDIA’S APPEAL
Claudia appealed one financial conviction.
The appellate court found one jury instruction insufficiently separated:
Unauthorized temporary use.
From intent to permanently deprive.
One count vacated.
Her false-certification conviction remained.
Child-endangerment conviction remained.
Restitution adjusted modestly.
Headline:
CLAUDIA WHITAKER WINS APPEAL.
Lily was nine.
She saw it online eventually.
“Does that mean she didn’t lock me out?”
“No.”
“Then what did she win?”
“One financial legal issue.”
“Why?”
“Because court rules have to be applied correctly.”
“To her?”
“To everyone.”
Lily sighed.
“I hate fairness.”
“No, you hate when fairness is inconvenient.”
She glared.
May you like
Then laughed.
Good.
