Chapter 9
Frederick’s assault case reached a plea stage first.
The video was clear.
Toby’s injury was documented.
Frederick’s attorney argued the slap was a single impulsive act under extreme grief.
The prosecutor considered:
The child’s age.
The day of the funeral.
Frederick’s position of authority.
The lack of apology.
The subsequent pressure.
No prior criminal history.
Toby’s wishes mattered but did not control the public case.
He said:
“I don’t want to testify in a room full of people.”
A plea avoided that possibility.
Frederick admitted striking him.
The agreement included a conviction, probationary supervision, anger-intervention requirements, no contact with Toby or Rose, and consequences for violations.
Some people called it too light.
Toby said:
“I wanted him to say he did it.”
He did.
Avery faced separate allegations related to taking the ring, trespass, and her participation.
She returned the property immediately under police direction, which affected the case but did not erase the act.
She entered a plea on reduced charges involving unlawful taking and harassment-related conduct.
The criminal cases addressed the porch.
The larger fraud cases remained.
At Frederick’s sentencing, he read from a statement.
“I reacted as a grieving father.”
Toby’s jaw tightened.
The judge asked:
“Did grief cause you to strike your grandson?”
Frederick looked toward his lawyer.
“No.”
“Then do not ask grief to confess for you.”
He said:
“I chose to strike him.”
Toby released a breath.
No forgiveness followed.
Accuracy was enough for that day.
After court, reporters waited.
The Beaumont name had drawn attention because of the company investigation.
I gave no speech.
Toby walked beside me.
A reporter called:
“Do you believe Frederick is dangerous?”
Toby stopped.
I touched his arm but did not answer for him.
“He hit me after my dad’s funeral,” Toby said. “The court decided what that meant.”
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Then he continued walking.
He did not owe the public his entire grief.
