Chapter 24 - CECILY AND MY FATHER
Cecily testified with her repaired wrist visible.
No brace anymore.
Small scar.
“What happened?”
“Vanessa wanted me to lower the front hem again.”
“Why?”
“She said it looked uneven.”
“Was it?”
“Not materially.”
“What happened?”
“We argued. I said more changes could damage the gown. She stood. Put both hands here.”
Cecily indicated shoulders.
“Then?”
“She shoved me backward.”
“Did you trip first?”
“No.”
“Fall?”
“Yes.”
“Why did you initially say you fell?”
Cecily looked embarrassed.
“I was in pain. Owen kept saying, ‘You stepped back, you stepped back.’ I started doubting what I wanted to say before ambulance arrived.”
Then defense.
“You received a call from Marcello D’Avino?”
“Yes.”
“Bianca’s father?”
“Yes.”
“Known as an intimidating man?”
Prosecutor objected to vague reputation evidence.
Judge allowed limited context of witness perception.
Cecily answered:
“Yes.”
“What did he tell you?”
“To tell police exactly what happened.”
“Did you feel you had a choice?”
Cecily paused.
“I already intended to tell police.”
“Question.”
“I felt uncomfortable that he called.”
There.
My father sat behind me.
Completely still.
“Were you afraid?”
“A little.”
“Did that affect your statement?”
“No.”
“How can we know?”
“You can compare what I told Bianca before Marcello ever called.”
Good.
Phone records.
Her initial message.
Her lawyer notes.
Her statement predated Dad’s interference.
The damage was limited.
Still real.
Outside court, Dad said:
“I made that harder.”
“Yes.”
May you like
No defense.
Good.
