The judge slowly removed his glasses and looked directly at Matthew.
“Mr. Collins,” he said quietly, “would you like to explain what we have just seen?”
Matthew opened his mouth and attempted to speak.
“It was taken out of context,” he began.
“Enough,” the judge interrupted.
Then he turned his attention toward Olivia.
His voice softened noticeably.
“Why did you decide to keep this video?”
Olivia swallowed before answering.
“Because my mom cries at night when she thinks I am asleep,” she said. “My dad kept saying she was the problem.”
She paused for a moment before finishing her explanation.
“I needed to know if that was true.”
I felt the last bit of strength leave my body.
The judge nodded slowly.
“Thank you for your honesty,” he told her.
That afternoon the entire case changed direction. Matthew’s request for full custody was denied immediately and the court ordered a financial investigation into his accounts. Temporary custody of Olivia was granted to me while the investigation continued.