Chapter 13 - Preparing for What Came Next
The next month moved slowly.
That surprised people who expected an arrest to solve everything.
It didn't.
Detectives completed warrants and interviews. Prosecutors reviewed Daniel's messages, Amber's cooperation, pharmacy records, location data and the toxicology report.
Family court operated separately.
CPS developed safety plans for both children.
Aaron received temporary primary custody of Lily while Amber was limited to supervised contact approved through the agency.
Caleb returned to first grade on a reduced schedule.
His teacher kept an unopened water bottle at her desk because he no longer trusted drinks other children handed him.
The most damaging evidence against Daniel was not dramatic.
It was consistency.
His messages matched Amber's description of the plan.
Pharmacy dates matched Lily's memory of the office stop.
The old court photograph explained how Amber knew where the prescription bottle was supposedly meant to be discovered.
His prior custody filing supplied the accusation the staged event was designed to support.
And his own sentence—Caleb will be fine—showed he knew the child would be given something.
Amber eventually signed a cooperation agreement requiring truthful testimony but guaranteeing no particular sentence.
She was still responsible for what she had done.
Aaron refused to let Carol describe her as “just manipulated.”
“Daniel didn't pour that drink,” he said. “Amber did.”
For once, nobody argued.
Two days before the prosecutor presented the case to the grand jury, Daniel changed lawyers.
His new attorney contacted mine.
Daniel wanted to accept responsibility in the custody case before criminal charges were announced.
My lawyer asked whether I wanted to hear his proposal.
I looked across the living room at Caleb drawing a picture of our new apartment.
There were two people in it.
Him and me.
May you like
“I'll hear it,” I said.
“But he doesn't get to purchase forgiveness with a parenting agreement.”
