PART 2: THE SECRET HE NEVER EXPECTED
“Where did she get that?” Daniel demanded.
Judge Margaret Collins raised one hand.
“Mr. Bennett, sit down.”
Lily stood beside a court officer, clutching the phone with both hands.
“It’s my old play phone,” she whispered. “But Daddy gave me his old one when he bought a new phone. Grandma put it in this purple case.”
Daniel’s attorney immediately stood.
“Your Honor, we object to any recordings being introduced without proper authentication.”
“Nothing has been admitted,” Judge Collins replied sharply. “And this child will not be interrogated in open court.”
She turned toward Lily.
“Sweetheart, is there something you’re worried about?”
Lily nodded.
“Daddy told Grandma what they were going to do to Mommy.”
My heart started pounding.
Daniel suddenly stood.
“Lily, sweetheart, remember what we talked about?”
“Sit down, Mr. Bennett!”
The judge’s voice cracked across the courtroom.
Lily flinched.
That was