Chapter 8 - RICHARD’S FIRST STATEMENT
Richard’s version was worse because parts were true.
He told police:
Melody had panic attacks during pregnancy.
True.
Two.
Both mild.
She feared cesarean.
True.
She said hospitals were “too interventionist.”
I had said that once after reading an online birth story.
True.
She agreed to home labor.
Yes.
Then:
“I never agreed to prevent hospital transfer.”
Also possibly true.
Sarah asked:
“Why did you not give her keys?”
Richard said:
“My mother had them.”
“Why?”
“She took them.”
“Did you know?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell her to return them?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I thought Melody was panicking too soon.”
There.
His role.
Not mastermind.
Complicit.
Then:
“Did you know Linda Pierce was coming?”
Silence.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To help Melody stay calm.”
“Did Melody know?”
May you like
“I thought Mom told her.”
He had built his defense out of assuming Barbara handled consent.
