CHAPTER 25: THE HEARING
The first court hearing concerned Patricia’s attempts to contact Owen’s daughter.
Owen and his attorney attended in person.
I watched from the public seating area because he had asked me to support him without speaking for him.
Patricia sat beside her counsel with her hands folded over a purse.
She looked like someone waiting for a church committee meeting.
The judge reviewed statements, correspondence, and the allegations regarding the photographs.
Patricia’s attorney argued that she had been trying to restore family relationships.
Owen’s attorney emphasized that repeated unwanted contact and references to a child’s school had caused fear.
When Owen spoke, he did not accuse Patricia of kidnapping him or claim she had never helped him.
He said her assistance during his childhood had been important.
He also said he had been frightened when she began using that history to demand access to his daughter.
“I can be grateful and still say no,” he told the judge.
Patricia turned toward him sharply.
Her attorney touched her arm before she could interrupt.
The hearing ended with temporary boundaries and a later review date, subject to the court’s written order.
Outside, reporters approached Owen.
He declined to comment.
Patricia stopped near the courthouse steps and looked directly at me.
“Your father would have been ashamed of this,” she said.
I could have answered with everything I had learned about the past.
Instead, I said, “My father is not here to speak for either of us.”
She stared at me.
“Laurel turned him against me.”
“Owen is an adult,” I replied.
“He made his own decision.”
Patricia walked away without answering.
For once, she had no demand left that could force us to follow her.
