To anyone who didn’t know her, she looked like a devoted daughter-in-law exhausted by the responsibility of caring for an elderly relative.
I knew better.
Three weeks earlier, those same carefully manicured hands had gripped my wrist so tightly that the swelling lasted for days.
« Your Honor, » Daniel’s attorney began, « my client’s mother has become increasingly paranoid since her husband’s passing. These accusations are consistent with— »
« Mr. Collins, » the judge interrupted, « I have not asked for your interpretation. »
The attorney stopped.
Judge Mercer turned another page.
« Mrs. Vance, I see here a medical evaluation from Dr. Rebecca Foster, dated eleven days ago. »
« Yes, Your Honor. »
« It states that you are fully oriented, demonstrate intact decision-making capacity, and show no clinical evidence of a major neurocognitive disorder. »
