Chapter 16 - Marjorie’s Case
The criminal case resolved eight months later.
No jail.
Facts serious but injuries minor.
Marjorie pleaded to a misdemeanor child-endangerment-related count encompassing excessive discipline and a reduced custodial-interference attempt connected to concealed travel.
Terms:
Eighteen months probation.
Parenting/grandparent boundary counseling.
No unsupervised contact with Ione during probation unless court and I agreed after professional recommendation.
Community service.
Restitution for counseling costs not covered by insurance.
No international travel with Ione during probation.
She hated the wording:
“custodial interference.”
“I was returning her.”
The judge answered:
“A return ticket does not cure absence of current consent.”
There.
Marjorie:
“I had a notarized letter.”
The judge:
“You also had conditions you intentionally avoided.”
There.
No theatrical sentence.
No evil-grandmother speech.
Law narrowed the facts.
That was enough.
My diversion for slap concluded.
Case dismissed.
No repeat.
May you like
No one got to use the other’s wrongdoing as cancellation.
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