Then investigators asked why a lawyer believed a pregnant woman with visible bleeding should not receive emergency evaluation.
His answers became longer.
Long answers are not always lies.
But David had spent years teaching me that complicated explanations often appeared when simple truths became inconvenient.
I filed for a protective order.
Then for divorce.
Dad never told me to.
In fact, he refused to.
When I asked:
“What would you do?”
He answered:
“I’m not married to him.”
I became angry.
“You’re my father.”
“Yes.”
“Then help me.”
“I am.”
“How?”
“By refusing to replace David as the person who makes decisions for you.”
That silenced me.
I hated him for approximately three minutes.
Then I understood.
He would help me leave.
Help me stay somewhere safe.
Help me find independent counsel.
Sit beside me.
Hold my hand.
Bring me terrible hospital coffee.
But the decision had to remain mine.
