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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThen he turned toward Julian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My husband stiffened. His lips moved slightly, as if he were trying to remind Noah of something. My son immediately lowered his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judge Thorne spoke gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHello, Noah. You don\u2019t have to be afraid to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He nodded, then slowly raised his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour Honor, can I show you something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Julian\u2019s smile disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat would you like to show us?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah hugged his teddy bear tighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA video. Mom doesn\u2019t know it exists.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My heart began to race. Julian leaned toward his lawyer and whispered something, his agitation becoming obvious. Eleanor sat perfectly still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After reviewing how the recording should be presented, the judge allowed it to be played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah looked at me, his eyes shining with tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mom. I wanted to tell you, but I was scared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to apologize, sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The screen came to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A room in our house appeared. Then we heard Julian\u2019s voice. A few seconds later, another voice joined his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I turned toward my mother-in-law. Her face had gone pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the video, someone moved toward a table covered with documents. Just as the conversation was about to become clear, Julian shot to his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour Honor, I object to this video being played!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The judge ordered him to sit down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the first time, I saw fear in my husband\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I looked at Noah and realized my son had saved something Julian never wanted anyone in that courtroom to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n