Chapter 19 - Vivian testifies
Vivian took the stand.
She admitted:
She took Nora from Rachel’s apartment.
She staged park disappearance.
She kept Nora hidden.
Why?
“Rachel was unstable.”
Why not court?
“I thought court would give Nora back too quickly.”
“Why not child protective services?”
“They believed Rachel’s doctors.”
“Why tell Rachel Nora was alive?”
“Because she was destroying herself.”
“Why not let her see Nora?”
“She would have taken her.”
Then prosecutor:
“Rachel was her mother.”
Vivian:
“She was not capable.”
Independent evaluator said otherwise.
Vivian dismissed evaluator.
Then fraud.
Did she receive Crestview money?
“Yes.”
For legitimate consulting?
“Yes.”
Did she know false invoices existed?
“Not initially.”
When learn?
“Later.”
Did she report?
“No.”
Why?
“I was afraid it would destroy Dean and create liability for Rachel’s care.”
Then $240,000 termination payment.
She said:
“Settlement of my contract.”
Contract contradicted.
Then hidden room.
“Did Nora ask to leave?”
Vivian paused.
“Yes.”
“How often?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you let her?”
“No.”
“Did she ask to see Rachel?”
“Yes.”
“Did you let her?”
“No.”
“After Rachel died, why keep her?”
Vivian cried.
“Because I loved her.”
Prosecutor:
“Did love require locking the door?”
Objection.
Sustained.
May you like
The jury did not need a slogan.
The facts were enough.
