Chapter 11 - THE CASE BECAME STRONGER WHEN WE STOPPED MAKING IT PERFECT
The prosecutors did not reopen Rebecca’s death immediately and declare David a serial poisoner.
There was not enough evidence for that.
Hannah’s journals were historically important.
Emotionally devastating.
Legally complicated.
Rebecca had been cremated.
Medical samples from fourteen years earlier were limited or nonexistent.
Doctors’ records were incomplete.
Memories had degraded.
The district attorney separated the questions.
What could be proved about Evelyn?
What could responsibly be investigated about Rebecca?
Different cases.
Different burdens.
I appreciated that even while part of me wanted every horrible possibility named publicly.
The case involving me was strong enough without forcing Rebecca into it.
Toxicology showed repeated exposure.
Preserved food samples contained consistent contamination.
David controlled the locked storage area associated with relevant material.
Video documented his repeated private handling of my meals.
Clinical records showed worsening patterns.
Financial records documented motive.
His estate spreadsheet showed expectation of my death.
His attempted transfer showed urgency.
His funeral planning showed anticipation.
And his files about Jessica suggested consciousness that toxic exposure might eventually be investigated.
The defense attacked each piece.
The toxicology could reflect accidental exposure.
The stored item had legitimate household or medical explanations.
The videos did not show him adding anything harmful.
The financial planning was normal for a husband whose wife was supposedly terminal.
The funeral consultation was compassionate advance planning.
The Jessica file was documentation because he had begun distrusting her.
One explanation for everything.
That is what defense lawyers are supposed to do.
Then Marisol produced one more nursing note.
Not dramatic.
One sentence.
Three months earlier:
Patient requested husband not prepare evening meal; spouse insisted patient was confused and request inconsistent with prior preference.
Marisol had documented my request.
I had forgotten.
David had not.
The next day, he asked the nursing agency to replace her.
Reason:
“Poor fit.”
The agency declined because I had previously rated her highly.
That was important.
I had tried to remove David from feeding.
He tried to remove the person who heard me.
Intent is often found in small reactions.
Jessica’s cooperation strengthened the case too.
She did not receive some magical immunity agreement absolving her of everything.
She was not charged for being an adulterous interior designer.
Prosecutors evaluated whether any conduct crossed criminal lines.
Evidence supported that she had been cruel, reckless, and morally appalling.
Not that she knowingly poisoned me.
Her testimony came with obvious credibility problems.
She lied during the affair.
She benefited financially.
She wanted to save herself.
The jury, if there was one, would hear all of that.
Good.
A witness does not need to be pure.
Only truthful about what she actually knows.
Then David’s attorney offered negotiations.
Samuel told me:
“You do not control the criminal case.”
“I know.”
“You can give victim input.”
“I know.”
“You cannot buy a result.”
“I know.”
He smiled.
“You’re improving.”
May you like
“Leave.”
For the first time in months, I laughed hard enough that my ribs hurt for a good reason.
