Chapter 9 - The social worker
Hospital social worker Denise Carter met Alessandra before discharge.
Not because police believed she was imprisoned.
Because postpartum exhaustion, household pressure, and family conflict created a safety concern.
Denise asked:
“Where do you want to go?”
Alessandra looked at me.
Then:
“Not Dad’s main house.”
I almost interrupted.
Stopped.
“Where?”
“The guesthouse.”
My property included a small detached residence where visiting relatives sometimes stayed.
Separate kitchen.
Two bedrooms.
Own entrance.
Close enough for help.
Far enough that I could not accidentally appear in every doorway.
Good.
“Who do you want with you?”
“Dad nearby.”
I tried not to look pleased.
“Night nurse.”
Good.
“Maribel during the day twice a week.”
Maribel was an experienced postpartum aide recommended by her obstetric practice.
“And Colin?”
Silence.
“Not staying there.”
There.
“Visits?”
“I don’t know.”
Denise nodded.
“No need to decide permanently today.”
Theo remained with Alessandra.
No question.
She was medically capable of caring for him with support.
Colin had not harmed the baby.
Marcia had not harmed him either.
The issue was the environment and the pressure on Alessandra.
We created a temporary plan.
Colin could see Theo if Alessandra agreed and another adult was present until emotions cooled.
Not court-ordered yet.
Voluntary.
At the time, Colin agreed.
May you like
That would not last.
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