Chapter 15 - Gerald’s Last Defense
Howard Mills was arrested.
He confessed after investigators showed him Gerald’s jail recording.
Gerald promised him money, legal help, and control of a construction contract.
In return, Howard was supposed to abduct Lily and stage evidence that James and I had fled the state.
Gerald intended to describe us as unstable parents manipulating a child.
His final defense depended on turning the victims into criminals.
The judge allowed limited testimony about the abduction plan because it demonstrated consciousness of guilt.
Gerald’s attorney advised him not to testify.
He ignored the advice.
He walked to the witness stand with the confidence of a man who had controlled every room for decades.
He described himself as strict but loving.
He said modern parents confused boundaries with abuse.
He said Lily took property without permission.
He said the belt touched her clothing only once.
He blamed the floor.
He blamed my parenting.
He blamed James.
He blamed Patricia.
He blamed the guests for recording instead of helping.
The prosecutor stood.
“Mr. Hutchinson, did you remove your belt?”
“Yes.”
“Did Lily apologize?”
“She said words.”
“Was she crying?”
“She became dramatic.”
“Did you swing the belt?”
“I corrected her.”
“Did she fall immediately afterward?”
“Yes.”
“Did you call an ambulance?”
“Her father handled it.”
“Did you comfort her?”
“I was surrounded by people overreacting.”
“Did you say she took a soda?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell anyone to check whether she was breathing?”
Gerald’s face tightened.
“No.”
The prosecutor lifted the evidence bag containing the belt.
“Were you more concerned about the soda than the unconscious child?”
“That is an offensive question.”
“It is a simple one.”
Gerald turned toward the jury.
“Children need consequences.”
The prosecutor placed Lily’s hospital photograph on the screen.
A bandage covered half her head.
Tubes surrounded her body.
“This was the consequence.”
Gerald finally looked away.
The prosecution played the final kitchen recording.
After the ambulance left, Gerald stood beside the bloodstained tile.
Howard asked whether Lily would survive.
Gerald answered.
She will.
Rebecca always exaggerates.
The jury heard his concern.
May you like
Not for Lily.
For whether I would challenge him again.
