Chapter 12 - The Classroom Record
Our next witness was Sister Margaret Thomas, the principal of St. Jude Academy, where Samuel and Owen had attended school since kindergarten.
She walked to the stand with quiet dignity, placing a thick manila folder on the rail.
"Sister Margaret," Claire asked, "can you describe Mr. Hollis's involvement in his sons' education?"
"Mr. Hollis attended two annual fundraising galas where he pledged large corporate donations from transit funds," Sister Margaret replied.
"However, he never attended a single parent-teacher conference in three years."
"He never attended a science fair, a soccer game, or a musical recital."
"On three separate occasions last spring, our administrative staff had to call Mrs. Lane because Mr. Hollis had agreed to pick the boys up after school but simply forgot, leaving them waiting in the front office until six in the evening."
Adrian gripped the edge of his table, his jaw clenched so tightly the muscles jumped.
"And Mrs. Lane?" Claire asked.
"Mrs. Lane was our volunteer room parent for two consecutive years," Sister Margaret said, her voice softening with warmth.
"She read to the children every Tuesday morning."
"When Samuel struggled with early reading comprehension, she spent three hours every evening working with our specialist to build an individualized curriculum for him."
"She is a devoted, selfless, and exceptionally attentive mother."
Claire turned toward the bench.
"Your Honor, we submit into evidence certified attendance logs, volunteer rosters, and teacher evaluations spanning four academic years."
Judge Calder reviewed the documents, nodding slowly.
"Mr. Barnes, cross-examination?"
Barnes glanced at Adrian, who was glaring at the floor in sullen silence.
"No questions, Your Honor."
"Step down, Sister," Judge Calder said softly.
"Mrs. Lane, do you have further evidence regarding Mr. Hollis's conduct toward the children?"
I stood up, holding a small digital audio drive.
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"Your Honor, we submit this recording made on our home security system on the evening of August fourteenth."
"It was the night Mr. Hollis brought private security contractors to remove me from our family home."
