Chapter 23 - Tyler testifies against Michael
Tyler hated that phrase.
“Against Dad.”
He preferred:
“I told what I saw.”
That was more accurate.
At a preliminary hearing, Tyler described:
Calling Michael.
Telling him Mom was calm.
Recording.
Watching the weapon come up.
Hearing the secure voice say “General Mitchell.”
Seeing Michael laugh.
Watching him cuff me.
Watching him shove the chair.
Michael sat across the room.
Tyler did not look at him until the end.
Then Michael’s lawyer asked:
“You and your father had been arguing before this event, correct?”
“Yes.”
“You resented his criticism of your employment?”
“Yes.”
“You were financially dependent on your mother at times?”
“Yes.”
“You hoped this recording would embarrass your father?”
Tyler swallowed.
“At first.”
The lawyer paused.
“And later?”
Tyler looked at Michael.
“I hoped he’d stop.”
No courtroom explosion.
May you like
No audience gasp required.
Just the truth becoming less convenient.
