Page 56 of After Everything
I followed behind, my heart rate picking up despite myself.
This wasn't my first testimony. I knew what to expect. But Maria's case felt different. Maybe because I'd seen her injuries firsthand, had heard her story, and had documented the evidence that could save her life.
Or maybe because David was the one presenting the case, and some part of me—the part I was actively ignoring—wanted him to succeed.
For Maria's sake, I told myself. Only for Maria's sake.
The courtroom was smallerthan the ones I’d been in before. Wood paneling, a judge's bench at the front, tables for each side.Maria sat next to David at one table. Her husband's attorney sat alone at the other; apparently he hadn't bothered to show up to his own restraining order hearing.
Good. That would help.
The judge was a woman in her sixties with steel-gray hair and sharp eyes. She looked like she'd seen everything and wasn't impressed by any of it.
I took a seat in the gallery and waited.
David stood. "Your Honor, I'm David Harrison, representing the petitioner, Maria Rodriguez. We're here today to request a permanent restraining order against the respondent, Carlos Rodriguez, based on a pattern of domestic violence and credible threats to Mrs. Rodriguez and her children's safety."
His voice was steady, professional. Not the nervous young associate I vaguely remembered from firm parties years ago, but someone who knew what he was doing. Someone who believed in his case.
"The evidence will show a clear pattern of escalating violence," David continued. "Police reports dating back three years. Twohospital admissions. And recent medical documentation that demonstrates ongoing abuse. Mrs. Rodriguez fled the marital home six weeks ago with her two children, ages eight and ten, and has been in hiding since. We're asking this court to grant a permanent restraining order and award Mrs. Rodriguez sole custody of the minor children."
The judge made a note. "Proceed."
David walked through the evidence methodically. Police reports—Maria had called three times in the last two years, though her husband had only been arrested once. Hospital records from a broken wrist two years ago and a concussion last year, both attributed to "accidents" at the time. Text messages where her husband had threatened her, said he'd make sure she never saw her kids again if she left.
It was damning. Even I could see that, and I wasn't a lawyer.
Maria testified next. She was terrified—I could see her hands shaking from where I sat—but she was clear and detailed. She told the judge about the first time he hit her,about the escalation, about the night she finally took the children and ran.
The judge listened without expression.
Then David called me.
"The court calls Emma Peterson."
I stood and walked to the witness stand. The bailiff swore me in. I stated my name and credentials: Emma Peterson, Nurse Practitioner, Riverview Women's Health, specializing in women's health and trauma-informed care.
David approached the stand. Our eyes met briefly. His expression was professional, neutral. Like I was any other expert witness.
"Ms. Peterson, did you examine Maria Rodriguez on March 21st of this year?"
"I did."
"Can you describe what you observed?"
I pulled out my notes—though I didn't really need them, I remembered every detail—and walked through the examination. Multiple contusions in various stages of healing, indicating repeated trauma over time. Defensive wounds on her forearms. Bruising on her ribs consistent with beingkicked or struck with a blunt object. Old scars on her back.
I kept my voice level, clinical. These were medical facts. This was my job.
"And based on your examination and your professional experience, what conclusions did you draw?"
"In my professional opinion, Mrs. Rodriguez's injuries are consistent with ongoing domestic violence. The pattern of bruising, the location of the injuries, and the various stages of healing all indicate repeated physical abuse over an extended period of time."
"Could these injuries have been accidental?"
"No. The pattern is too specific. Accidental injuries don't typically present in this manner: multiple contusions in protected areas, defensive wounds, injuries in different stages of healing. This is consistent with what we see in domestic violence cases."
David nodded. "Thank you, Ms. Peterson. No further questions."
