Chapter 11
The state did not immediately shut down all five Little Harbor centers.
That would have harmed families who depended on childcare and employees who had done nothing wrong.
Instead, regulators imposed emergency conditions.
Wendy was barred from every facility.
No visits.
No advisory role.
No staff communication concerning child care.
Luca was suspended as responsible operator while the investigation continued.
Each center received an independent interim director approved by the state.
Required camera coverage expanded.
Incident reporting moved to a centralized system.
Parents received notice that an administrative review was underway.
Not every private detail.
Enough to make informed choices.
Some families withdrew.
Most stayed.
The centers remained open.
Then investigators reviewed old physical-discipline complaints.
Several could not be proven.
Some were inconsistent.
One parent later said she had exaggerated because she was angry about tuition.
Another child’s mark clearly resulted from playground equipment.
The state did not manufacture a history just because Wendy had now been caught hitting Fiona.
But three incidents had stronger corroboration.
Caleb’s arm.
The toddler slapped during lunch.
A four-year-old forced into punitive isolation contrary to policy.
One former teacher had contemporaneous texts.
Another had a photograph.
One parent had complained in writing before knowing anything about the licensing dispute.
The pattern became narrower.
And stronger.
Luca’s false or misleading annual certifications became a separate administrative and potential criminal issue.
His attorney argued the word “control” was ambiguous.
Directors technically retained final authority.
Regulators argued Luca had concealed Wendy’s actual role intentionally.
That would require hearings.
Evidence.
Due process.
Jessi stayed out of that legal argument except where she was a witness.
Her responsibility was Fiona.
The family court continued supervised visits.
At the fourth visit, Fiona finally let Luca hold her.
He cried.
The supervisor wrote:
Child approached voluntarily. Father remained calm. No discussion of grandmother or litigation.
Jessi read the note.
She felt nothing simple.
Good.
Angry.
Sad.
Relieved.
May you like
All at once.
That was allowed.
