Chapter 5 - THE FIRST POLICE CALL
A police welfare report from 1987 still existed on microfilm.
Address:
Morgan residence.
Caller:
neighbor.
Reason:
screaming, possible domestic disturbance.
Officer notes:
adult male agitated.
adult female tearful.
two daughters present.
No visible serious injury.
No arrest.
Harold told police:
“Family argument. Nothing physical.”
Elaine agreed.
Rebecca did not.
The report contained one line:
Older daughter states father pushed mother against kitchen cabinet.
No further action after mother declined complaint.
Claire stared.
Rebecca had been seventeen.
Diane thirteen.
Diane had always told Claire:
“Rebecca lied constantly.”
Possible.
One police note did not prove a complete pattern.
Then another record surfaced.
Emergency room.
Elaine Morgan.
Bruised ribs.
Reported cause:
fall in bathroom.
Nursing note:
daughter present, states patient was pushed during domestic argument.
Which daughter?
Not named.
Claire thought Rebecca.
The hospital record also contained something Diane had never mentioned.
Elaine asked for a social worker.
The social worker documented:
Patient considering temporary stay with relative. Concerned about financial access if she leaves residence.
That meant Elaine’s problem was not only physical fear.
Money.
Harold controlled the family accounts.
Rebecca’s later accusation about withheld money suddenly looked less invented.
Grace said:
“This supports financial control.”
Claire asked:
“Does it prove he stole her money?”
“No.”
“Does it prove she wanted to leave?”
“It supports that.”
Claire nodded.
Another piece.
Not the whole picture.
The family story Diane told had always required certainty.
Claire’s reconstruction required patience.
Then found school attendance.
Rebecca had been away at a debate tournament.
Diane had been home.
That meant thirteen-year-old Diane may have been the daughter who told the nurse.
Claire stared at her mother’s childhood in a new way.
May you like
Diane had not simply denied everything forever.
At least once, she may have told the truth.
