Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN ON THE VIDEO CALL
Her name was Laurel Finch.
Family mediator.
Licensed clinical social worker.
Not a judge.
Not a custody evaluator appointed by any court.
Aurelia had hired her privately.
Purpose listed in the engagement email:
Post-bereavement family continuity consultation.
Sounds harmless.
Laurel said Aurelia contacted her three weeks earlier.
“She told me Stefano was overwhelmed and wanted help formalizing caregiving.”
I had never spoken to Laurel.
“Did she say I approved?”
“She said the family had agreed in principle.”
False.
“What was the session supposed to do?”
“Understand the children’s routines and family support structure before drafting recommendations.”
“Was Elliot supposed to be interviewed alone?”
“No. I told Aurelia I would not conduct a custody-preference interview outside proper scope.”
Good.
Then the scheduled call.
2:00 p.m.
The day of the SUV.
Laurel saw Aurelia on video.
Elliot briefly.
Clara in a car seat.
Aurelia said:
“Tell Ms. Finch what we practiced.”
Laurel immediately interrupted.
“I don’t want practiced answers.”
Elliot said:
“I want Dad.”
Aurelia smiled tightly.
The call ended six minutes later because Elliot refused further conversation.
Laurel sent an email:
I am concerned the child is being coached. I will not continue without Stefano’s direct consent.
Aurelia never answered.
Ten minutes later, she loaded the children into the SUV.
That was the argument.
Not a tantrum over toys.
May you like
Not Elliot refusing to buckle.
He had refused to help Aurelia create a record that she was “in charge.”
