Chapter 8 - David Chooses War
David hired one of the most aggressive defense attorneys in the state.
His name was Charles Harlan.
Within forty-eight hours, the strategy became obvious.
Anna was emotionally unstable.
Anna had hidden her identity.
Anna had deceived her husband.
Anna had created tension between David and her powerful father.
Anna had fallen accidentally.
The recording, Harlan claimed, began too late to show what truly happened.
David released no public statement himself.
His attorney did it for him.
The first newspaper article appeared three days after Christmas.
PROMINENT ATTORNEY CAUGHT IN FAMILY DISPUTE INVOLVING CHIEF JUSTICE’S DAUGHTER.
Anna hated the headline.
She hated seeing herself described only as someone’s daughter.
She hated knowing strangers were debating her marriage.
David knew she would hate it.
That was why the next move was worse.
A confidential source leaked portions of Anna’s therapy history from college.
She had attended counseling after her mother died.
The records mentioned anxiety.
Grief.
Panic attacks.
David’s defense team publicly denied involvement.
Anna did not believe them.
Neither did Rachel.
“This is intimidation.”
Rachel placed the article on the table.
“They want you afraid of what else might become public.”
Anna looked at the headline.
For three years, David had used privacy as a weapon.
Now he was using exposure.
“How did he get those records?”
“We need to find out.”
Anna’s father entered the room.
He had read the article.
His anger was visible.
“Do you want me to issue a statement?”
Anna shook her head.
“No.”
“Anna.”
“If you defend me publicly, they’ll say this is about you.”
Jonathan sat down.
“It shouldn’t matter what they say.”
“It matters to the case.”
Her father understood.
Anna picked up the newspaper.
“My husband thinks shame will make me disappear.”
Rachel looked at her.
“What do you want to do?”
Anna studied the photograph printed beneath the headline.
It was from a charity gala years earlier.
She looked happy.
David stood beside her.
His hand was on her waist.
Anyone looking at the picture would have seen a successful couple.
Nobody would have seen the small bruise beneath Anna’s sleeve where David had grabbed her during an argument in the car.
She had forgotten about that bruise until now.
“I want everything documented.”
Rachel nodded.
“Everything?”
“Every bank account.”
“Every property transfer.”
“Every message.”
“Every threat.”
May you like
Anna looked toward Grace.
“And every time I told myself something wasn’t bad enough to leave.”
