Assistant District Attorney Whitaker replied immediately, “The record reflects prior relapses.”
“Yes, it does,” Garrett acknowledged without argument.
He continued, “I completed inpatient rehabilitation last year and I attend recovery meetings three nights a week, and these men attend with me.”
Several heads turned again toward the back wall.
“They are not here to support me in gaining custody,” Garrett said. “They are here because I asked them to witness that I am choosing my daughter’s safety over my pride.”
Rebecca’s shoulders stiffened as Judge Hodge leaned back slightly.
“Explain that choice,” the judge instructed.
Garrett’s voice lowered. “When we separated, I was not stable, and I frightened both Rebecca and Avery.”
The admission carried a weight that legal terminology never could.
The prosecutor asked cautiously, “Are you admitting to acts of violence?”
Garrett shook his head. “I never struck them, but I was not safe to be around.”
He continued, “I relapsed once after the separation and checked myself back into treatment, and I have not missed a single test since that day.”
Judge Hodge reviewed the file before her.