Chapter 14 - DR. PATEL TOOK THE STAND
The final custody hearing began four months after the emergency room visit.
Dr. Nina Patel testified first.
She described Ava’s condition.
The fractured arm.
Dean’s refusal to allow examination.
His insistence on leaving.
His shove.
His attempt to reach the boot after Ava said something was moving inside.
Dean’s attorney asked.
“Doctor, did you personally witness Mr. Mercer injure his daughter?”
“No.”
“Can you say the fracture was intentionally inflicted?”
“No.”
“Then your testimony is limited.”
Nina looked at him.
“My testimony is exactly what I observed.”
That answer mattered.
Officer Carla Jimenez testified next.
Then Detective Moreno.
Then Victor Lane.
Then Marilyn.
Finally Laura.
Dean’s attorney tried to portray her as emotional.
She agreed.
“Yes.”
“I was emotional.”
“My daughter had a broken arm.”
“My husband had been forging my name.”
“Money was missing.”
“I learned he had spent years preparing to take my child.”
May you like
“I would be concerned if none of that affected me.”
The judge looked down to hide what might have been a smile.
