Chapter 12 - Carla says I attacked her
Carla’s defense centered on my kick.
She filed a civil claim alleging:
Assault.
Head injury.
Emotional distress.
Lost business opportunities because I “publicly framed her as a child abuser.”
Her medical records showed:
Forehead abrasion.
Bruised hip.
No concussion diagnosis after follow-up.
No lost consciousness.
No neurologic impairment.
Could she still sue?
Yes.
Then security footage from a patio camera emerged.
It showed:
Carla struck Lily.
Lily fell.
Carla remained holding the skewer.
I ran.
Carla turned toward me.
I kicked her before she raised it again.
The footage supported my defense-of-child position strongly.
Her civil lawyer reduced demand.
But did not withdraw.
Then Carla claimed Lily had swung at her first.
Video showed no such thing.
Then:
“She was about to throw a toy.”
No.
Then:
“I did not intend to injure her. I struck the skewer against her leg to frighten her.”
That still sounded terrible.
Prosecutor offered plea:
Misdemeanor assault involving a minor.
No jail recommendation.
Probation.
Anger-management.
No contact with Lily.
Carla refused.
She wanted complete vindication.
That choice moved the criminal case toward trial.
Then her business.
Several clients paused contracts after arrest.
Not because I called them.
Court records were public.
She blamed me anyway.
Her bank tightened line of credit.
Bennett Residential’s financial distress increased.
That gave her more incentive to pursue the Mercer property fees.
She was fighting:
Criminal case.
Civil property accounting.
My defense claim.
May you like
Business debt.
Instead of retreating, Carla became more aggressive.
