Chapter 15 - Margaret asks for one hour
The evaluator was Dr. Susan Keller.
She interviewed Margaret.
Me.
Observed Camila.
Reviewed records.
Did not assume criminal conviction automatically meant permanent estrangement.
Margaret said:
“I will never allow physical punishment again.”
Good.
“Do you believe Camila caused what happened?”
“No.”
“Did you believe that at the hospital?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because accepting Harold caused it meant accepting I helped.”
Strong.
Then:
“Do you believe Lucía turned Camila against you?”
Margaret hesitated.
“Partly.”
There.
Not ready.
“What evidence?”
“Camila is afraid of my name.”
“She watched you stand beside Harold while he hit her.”
Margaret cried.
The evaluator wrote.
Then me.
“Would you support supervised contact if clinically recommended?”
“No.”
“Never?”
“I don’t know.”
Better.
“Current reason?”
“Camila is afraid.”
“Anything about Riverside?”
“No.”
Good.
The evaluator separately observed Camila hearing photographs of family members.
Harold picture:
She turned away.
Margaret:
She touched the photo, then pushed it aside.
Not screaming anymore.
Progress.
Recommendation:
No immediate in-person contact.
Permit one therapist-screened neutral letter from Margaret if Lucía consents.
Reassess after three months.
Margaret hated it.
Then accepted.
The letter:
Camila,
Grandma is sorry I did not keep you safe at Grandpa’s birthday. You did not cause what happened. You were allowed to say no. You did not deserve to be hurt.
No:
I miss you.
No:
Mommy won’t let me see you.
No guilt.
Dr. Wallace read it to Camila.
Camila asked:
“Grandma say sorry?”
“Yes.”
“Grandpa?”
“Not in this letter.”
She thought.
Then:
“Grandma come?”
“Not today.”
“Okay.”
That was enough.
Then Harold from custody requested permission to send apology too.
Dr. Wallace recommended not yet.
His letters continued framing discipline.
One draft:
“I’m sorry I scared you when I was trying to teach you.”
No.
Still centered intent.
Rejected by therapist, not legally censored; simply not delivered under current contact order.
Then civil mediation.
Harold offered $180,000.
Margaret/insurer another $70,000.
Total $250,000.
My lawyer estimated trial could yield more.
Or less.
Legal fees.
Public testimony.
Camila might need deposition accommodations later.
I hated the idea.
We countered:
$340,000.
Structured trust for Camila.
No confidentiality on underlying facts.
No visitation condition.
They came to $300,000.
We paused.
Not closed.
Then Sterling Ridge board sent annual report.
Camila’s trust interest had increased in estimated value after recapitalization stabilized company.
Harold’s theory that Arbor Peak would destroy Andrew’s legacy was not borne out so far.
Not proof future safe.
Just current.
Then First Harbor petitioned trust court to permanently replace Harold’s adviser role due conviction and conflict.
Harold opposed.
He argued business expertise still valuable.
May you like
The court scheduled.
Another active fight.
