Chapter 8 - The Hidden Files
|
I was discharged from the hospital three days later.
Elias had arranged for me to stay in a modest, secure townhouse located in a quiet suburb, far away from the marital home I had shared with Marcus. It was the first time in seven years I had a key to a door that Marcus couldn't electronically control.
Dana met us at the townhouse the following afternoon. She brought a stack of files and a serious expression.
"The video footage is devastating for them," Dana began, sitting at the small dining table. "But we need more to secure full custody and protect your assets. Marcus’s lawyers are still leaning heavily on the psychological evaluation he forced you to undergo last year."
I shuddered, remembering the sterile office of Dr. Aris, the therapist Marcus had personally selected.
"He sat in the room during the intake session," I told Dana. "He answered all the questions for me. He told the doctor I was paranoid and prone to delusions."
"I know," Dana said, opening a file. "I subpoenaed Dr. Aris’s complete medical records. The report Marcus submitted to the court paints you as highly unstable."
"Because he dictated it."
"Exactly," Dana nodded. "But Marcus made a mistake. He didn't realize that Dr. Aris kept a separate, encrypted file of his personal clinical notes."
She slid a highlighted piece of paper across the table toward me.
"I found a connection between Hale Communities and the clinic," Dana explained. "Marcus made a substantial 'charitable donation' to their research wing three weeks before your evaluation."
Evelyn read the highlighted notes.
"Patient appears excessively fearful of spouse’s reaction. Exhibits physical signs of intimidation when spouse speaks. Patient may not be able to communicate freely or truthfully in his presence. Recommend private screening for domestic coercion."
I stared at the words, tears blurring my vision. The doctor had seen it. He had known I was terrified.
"That sentence wasn't in the report Marcus filed," I whispered.
"No, it wasn't," Dana said grimly. "Marcus’s legal team deliberately omitted it. They submitted a falsified medical document to the court to manipulate a custody ruling."
Elias, who had been listening quietly from the kitchen, walked over.
May you like
"That is a felony, Dana," my father stated, his judicial instincts taking over.
"Yes, it is," Dana agreed, a fierce light in her eyes. "Marcus didn't just lie to a bailiff. He lied to a federal judge. And we are going to bury him with it."
