Chapter 12 - RHEA AND THE HIDDEN ROOM
Rhea’s child-abuse case came first.
Charges reflected evidence:
Unlawful confinement of a child.
Assaultive conduct tied to throwing or forcing him into the room.
Child endangerment.
No kidnapping across state lines.
No attempted murder.
The service-room door mattered.
It could be opened from outside only once the panel was fully latched.
Inside latch had been removed.
Recently.
Tool marks.
A screwdriver in Rhea’s desk matched.
Why remove it?
Her explanation:
Perrin had opened it once and damaged the panel.
Possible practical reason.
Combined with confinement:
worse.
The engagement-party guests testified.
One heard Rhea earlier tell Perrin:
“Go upstairs and keep quiet.”
Another saw Perrin crying near the hallway.
The strongest evidence remained Perrin’s forensic interview and physical scene.
I testified about finding him.
I also testified that I shoved Rhea after rescuing him.
No hiding.
Her lawyer asked:
“So you assaulted my client?”
“I used force after my son was already in my arms.”
“Because you were angry.”
“Yes.”
Good.
Truth.
The prosecutor did not need me pretending perfection.
Rhea was convicted of unlawful confinement and child endangerment.
One more serious assault count requiring proof of intent to cause significant injury ended in acquittal.
Correct.
Perrin had bruises.
Not severe injury.
Sentence included custody, probation, no contact with Perrin, and treatment requirements.
My shove resulted in a misdemeanor disposition.
Fine.
Anger did not exempt me.
I completed a brief intervention program.
Paid for damaged event property.
May you like
Rhea did not “deserve” illegal violence because she hurt my son.
That distinction mattered to the man I wanted Perrin to become.
