Chapter 7 - MARGARET’S ARREST
Police did not arrest Margaret because of DNA.
They arrested her because she chained a seven-year-old to a fixed post and left her there for approximately ninety-three minutes.
The exact offense depended on local law and prosecutorial review.
Child endangerment.
Unlawful restraint.
Related charges.
No kidnapping headline from me.
The facts were already bad.
She surrendered through counsel.
No handcuff spectacle at church.
Her attorney called it “an inappropriate disciplinary measure.”
The prosecutor called it restraint.
At the protective-order hearing, Margaret looked at Lily’s photographs.
Red wrist.
Chain.
Tear-swollen face.
Then at me.
My slap was also raised.
Of course.
I admitted it.
“Did you strike Mrs. Whitmore?”
“Yes.”
“Did she strike you first?”
“No.”
“Did you believe physical force was necessary to free Lily?”
“No. Lily was already free.”
“Then why?”
“I lost control.”
The truth.
“Do you regret it?”
“Yes.”
Margaret’s attorney looked pleased.
Then:
“Would you do it again?”
“No.”
Also true.
I did not need to be proud of hitting her to remain right about Lily.
The judge issued temporary no-contact between Margaret and my daughter.
Daniel’s contact remained allowed but structured while CPS evaluated his role.
He moved out of our house voluntarily.
May you like
I stayed with Lily.
Marriage suspended in everything except paperwork.
