Chapter 16 - The Trial Video
At Diane’s assault trial, prosecutors played the kitchen footage.
The jury watched coffee strike Lena’s face.
They saw the mug break.
They watched Eric freeze.
Then Lena asked:
“You gave her my card?”
Eric’s answer followed.
“It was only for emergencies.”
Diane’s attorney argued she acted impulsively and caused no serious injury.
The prosecutor paused the frame at the moment Diane released the mug.
“This is not an accidental spill.”
The medical record showed superficial burns and irritation.
Lena testified briefly.
Diane’s attorney asked why Lena retrieved the property folder immediately after the assault.
“Were you planning to threaten Ms. Mercer with homelessness?”
“No.”
“Then why take it?”
“Because I realized the people standing in my kitchen had access to my money and no concern for my safety.”
“You asked whose name was on the house.”
“Yes.”
“Was that meant to frighten her?”
Lena looked toward Diane.
“It was meant to remind myself.”
The courtroom became quiet.
She had not taken the folder to punish them.
She took it because ownership represented the ability to leave, lock the door, and choose what happened next.
Diane was convicted of assault and unauthorized use of a financial instrument.
The fraud charges would be resolved separately.
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She received probation for the assault, mandatory restitution, and a protective order.
But the financial conspiracy still carried the possibility of prison.
