Chapter 5 - The Legal Battle Begins
The news of the "Attic Child of Portland" erupted across local and national media within a week. Reporters lined the pavement outside the courthouse as the preliminary bail hearing began.
Trisha’s high-priced defense attorney, a ruthless litigator named Richard Vance (no relation to the detective), stood before the judge, attempting to shift the entire blame onto Dennis.
"Your Honor," Attorney Vance argued smoothly, gesturing to Trisha, who sat in a dark velvet suit, dabbing fake tears from her eyes. "My client was entirely unaware of the child's presence in the attic. Mrs. Stanley was led to believe by her husband that the girl was staying at a full-time residential boarding school in Washington. She was an innocent bystander in Mr. Stanley’s deceptive web!"
I sat in the front row of the gallery, holding a thick leather binder. When the judge allowed victim impact statements regarding bail, I stood up and walked to the podium.
"Your Honor," I spoke, my voice echoing through the grand courtroom. "I am Elmer Stanley. I am the owner of the property where this horror took place, and I am the father of the accused."
The courtroom fell into a dead hush.
"I submit to the court these printed text messages retrieved from Trisha Stanley’s personal phone during the police search," I continued, handing the papers to the bailiff. "Three weeks ago, Trisha texted my son: 'Get that brat out of the roof or I am calling the bank to freeze your allowances.' She was not unaware, Your Honor. She was an active accomplice who treated a five-year-old child like an inconvenient piece of trash."
The judge’s face darkened as he reviewed the printouts. He slammed his gavel down hard against the wooden block.
"Bail is revoked for both defendants," the judge declared sternly. "They will remain in custody pending trial."
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As Dennis and Trisha were led away in chains, Trisha turned toward me, her eyes burning with raw hatred. "You ruined our lives, old man!" she screamed into the gallery. "You chose a bastard over your own son!"
I didn't answer. I simply turned my back on them and walked out into the daylight.
