Chapter 17 - DIANE'S DAY IN COURT
Diane wore navy blue to court because, according to someone who still spoke to Ryan, her lawyer said dark colors looked respectful.
She also wore a soft scarf around her shoulders and carried a cane she had never used before.
The performance ended when prosecutors played the kitchen video.
The courtroom watched Diane raise the metal handle.
They watched me dodge.
They watched her swing again.
They watched me take it away.
They watched Ryan grab me afterward.
Then they heard Diane tell police I had attacked her without provocation.
Her lawyer stopped using the word "misunderstanding" after that.
The case did not go to trial that day. It was a preliminary hearing, but the judge reviewed release conditions because Diane had violated the no-contact order.
The neighbor whose phone she used had already confirmed the call.
The judge looked at Diane over his glasses.
"Court orders are not suggestions."
Diane's expression tightened.
For once, she said nothing.
Outside the courtroom, Ryan waited near the elevators.
He looked older.
Not devastated.
Worn down.
There was a difference.
He approached me, but Naomi stepped between us.
"Do not speak to my client."
Ryan stopped.
His eyes stayed on me.
"Claire, please. One minute."
I kept walking.
"I didn't think she'd actually swing!"
My feet stopped.
The hallway went silent around us.
Naomi touched my elbow. "You don't have to respond."
I turned anyway.
Ryan's face had gone pale because he realized what he had admitted.
"You knew she might," I said.
"I knew she was angry."
"You set it up."
"No."
"You recorded it."
"I thought you'd yell. Maybe shove her. I never wanted anyone hurt."
There it was.
The smallest version of his plan he thought I might forgive.
I looked at him for a long moment.
"You wanted me frightened enough to leave."
May you like
He said nothing.
And that silence followed him all the way into the elevator.
