Chapter 7 - THE PROTECTIVE ORDER
The emergency protective order came first.
Lauren was barred from contacting Mom directly while the investigation continued.
She also could not return to the residence without legal coordination.
She called me through her attorney.
Wanted to explain.
I agreed once.
Counsel present.
She looked furious.
“You’re treating me like a criminal.”
I said nothing.
“I was caring for your mother while you traveled.”
Still nothing.
“She was impossible.”
I looked at her.
“Did you lock the pantry?”
Her face changed.
“She overeats.”
“Did you take her phone?”
“She called people constantly.”
“Did you use her bank card?”
“For household expenses.”
“Spa membership?”
Silence.
“Your brother’s pool?”
Her attorney interrupted.
Good.
Let process handle it.
Then Lauren said:
“You have no idea what she put me through.”
I almost laughed.
My seventy-two-year-old mother had stitches in her head.
Lauren was still describing herself as the victim.
May you like
That meeting ended my marriage emotionally before the divorce papers ever did.
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