Chapter 24 - ELLIOT DOES NOT TESTIFY IN THE COURTROOM
The prosecutor avoided calling him live.
The forensic interview was admissible only within specific limits, and other evidence covered much.
Laurel Finch testified about the video call.
“I told Aurelia not to coach Elliot.”
“What did he say?”
“He said he wanted his father in charge.”
“Did you ask him to choose between them?”
“No.”
“Did you make custody recommendations?”
“No.”
Then the continuity folder.
Drafts.
Logs.
Rosalie’s backup-guardian page.
Defense emphasized:
None of those documents were illegal.
Correct.
A person may propose caregiving agreements.
May document work.
May hire a mediator.
May consult counsel.
The prosecution agreed.
The crime was not the folder.
The folder explained what “obey” referred to.
Then Aurelia’s lawyer asked:
“Did Ms. Vellari love the children?”
Laurel answered:
“She appeared deeply attached.”
Good.
“Did she express concern Stefano was overwhelmed?”
“Yes.”
“Was that concern entirely irrational?”
“No.”
May you like
Again.
Aurelia did not need to be a monster for the act to be wrong.
