The next morning she took photographs.
Again, they called it a fall.
The injury above my eyebrow happened when I caught them removing folders from Richard’s desk.
Daniel insisted the folders belonged to him.
I reached for them.
There was a struggle.
I lost my balance and struck the edge of the doorframe.
Technically, I had fallen.
But I had not fallen because I was confused.
I had fallen while protecting my documents.
Hale cross-examined me.
He was good.
Very good.
“Mrs. Vance, do you deny that you have experienced memory lapses?”
“No.”
That surprised him.
“You admit it?”
“Of course. Yesterday I walked into my bedroom and forgot why I was there. Then I remembered I wanted my glasses.”
Several people in the courtroom smiled.
Hale did not.
“So you acknowledge memory issues.”
“I acknowledge being human.”
“Have you ever misplaced your keys?”
“Yes.”
“Forgotten an appointment?”
“Yes.”
“Left a stove burner on?”
“Once.”
He looked at the judge.
“And you still claim complete independence?”
I leaned toward the microphone.
“Mr. Hale, do you ever forget where you put your telephone?”
He hesitated.
“That isn’t relevant.”
“You ever miss an appointment?”
“Mrs. Vance—”
“Ever walk into a room and forget why?”
