Chapter 12 - ORLANDO’S SLAP
Dorinda called police from the estate.
As she should.
Dad struck her after I was safely behind him.
No immediate need to slap.
No self-defense.
No defense of me at that second.
He was charged with misdemeanor assault.
His attorney hated how easily Dad admitted it.
"Did you hit her?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because she hit my daughter with a rolling pin."
"That is motive."
"Fine."
"Not legal justification."
"I know."
The prosecutor offered diversion.
Anger-management.
Restitution for Dorinda’s medical evaluation and bruising caused by the slap.
No unlawful contact.
No interference with her case.
Completion could produce dismissal.
Dad accepted.
His first anger-management session made him furious.
Naturally.
Dr. Evan Miles asked:
"What did the slap do for Camille?"
Dad answered:
"Nothing."
"Then who was it for?"
"Me."
"Why?"
"Because I wanted Dorinda to understand what fear felt like."
"Did she?"
"I assume."
"Did that help your pregnant daughter?"
"No."
Dad later told me:
"I disliked him."
"The therapist?"
May you like
"Deeply."
"Good."
