Chapter 18 - DEREK’S APPEAL
Derek appealed one financial conviction.
The appellate court vacated a lesser identity-use count because it duplicated another offense.
Core domestic assault conviction remained.
Core forgery and exploitation convictions remained.
Sentence adjusted slightly.
Headline:
DEREK HALE WINS APPEAL.
I laughed.
Not because funny.
Because predictable.
Maya asked:
“Does it scare you?”
“No.”
“Anger?”
“A little.”
“Want to read opinion?”
“Yes.”
I did.
Law corrected a technical problem.
Good.
Rules should apply even to people who hurt me.
That lesson took work.
Derek sent no letter.
Protective order prohibited.
Good.
His mother eventually apologized for contacting me.
May you like
I did not respond.
Not every apology needs reception.
