Chapter 13 - THE KICK
Celeste’s assault case came first.
The medical evidence was straightforward.
Bruising.
Fall.
Pregnancy at thirty-five weeks.
No serious fetal injury.
No fracture.
Video?
There was no camera in the dining room.
But two witnesses existed.
A housekeeper heard the argument and saw me fall immediately after the kick.
Camille had seen the aftermath but refused to characterize the initial contact beyond saying:
“Mom’s foot made contact.”
Useful family language.
Celeste claimed she had nudged me with her foot because I was blocking the basin.
A “nudge.”
The bruising and force of fall said more.
Prosecutors charged assault with a pregnancy-related aggravating factor permitted under state law.
They did not charge attempted murder.
No fetal-homicide fantasy.
Evidence did not support intent to kill.
At trial, Celeste said:
“I was frustrated.”
“With Arden?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“She was refusing family planning.”
“Family planning meaning transferring care of her baby?”
Celeste’s lawyer objected.
Sustained in part.
The prosecutor rephrased.
“Were you angry she had not completed the postpartum placement documents?”
“Yes.”
There.
Motive.
Then:
“Did you write Arden’s signature?”
Celeste invoked her right not to answer because separate forgery charges were pending.
Correct.
The jury convicted her of assault.
A more serious count requiring intent to cause substantial bodily harm ended in acquittal.
Correct.
Sentencing:
Custodial term partly suspended.
Probation.
No contact with me.
No contact with Margot during initial period.
Treatment.
No family fiduciary role pending separate proceedings.
Not life.
May you like
Not total ruin.
Law.
