Chapter 23 - THE TRIAL STARTS WITH TEMPERATURE
The first major witness was a pediatric emergency physician.
Not me.
Not Elliot.
Medicine first.
She explained:
Vehicle interiors can heat rapidly in direct sun.
Infants are less able to regulate temperature.
Children may become ill before adults expect.
Then the actual case.
Cabin temperature data.
104°F before door closure.
No engine.
No climate.
Temperature alert.
Dismissed.
Defense asked:
“Were the children locked for less than a minute before Stefano opened the door?”
“Yes, based on vehicle data.”
Important.
“Did either child suffer permanent injury?”
“No.”
“Was Clara in heatstroke?”
“No.”
“Elliot?”
“No. Heat exhaustion and dehydration.”
Good.
Then prosecution:
“Was the vehicle safe for disciplinary confinement?”
“No.”
That was enough.
Then the digital vehicle specialist.
Door open.
Door close.
Lock.
Alert.
Dismiss.
My entry.
Emergency release.
No guessing.
Then estate camera.
No audio.
Aurelia loading Clara.
Elliot entering.
Argument.
Door.
Lock.
Me crossing driveway.
Elliot striking glass.
Rescue.
Then bodyguard testimony supplied exact spoken lines.
“Bake in there until you obey!”
“Dad… Clara first.”
“Stop exaggerating! They're fine!”
My slap.
My threat.
May you like
No editing me out.
Good.
