"I'm not at liberty to say.”
I surveyed his hands carefully, looking for scuff marks on his knuckles.
"I can assure you there is no domestic abuse in his household,” Richard declared. “It seems someone has played a prank on you.”
"Always a possibility," I said.
He put his arm around his wife. "I adore my wife, Deputy. I would never do anything to hurt her. The notion is preposterous.”
"Of course. I'm sorry to disturb you. I just have to follow up on these reports, you understand.”
Richard’s mouth tightened with annoyance. "I understand, and we appreciate the job you boys do. I just think whoever's making false accusations like this should be held accountable.”
"Is there anyone else in the house with you?”
"Yes, my son, but he’s sleeping now," Mrs. Pearson said.
"How old is your son?"
"17 months."
"Congratulations.”
Richard beamed with pride.
"Does anyone else live here in the house with you?"
"My son, Sean, from a previous marriage," Richard said. "But he's not here now.”
"How old is he?"
"18. But sometimes he acts 17 months."
I chuckled.
Richard continued. "I can assure you, Julie and I are a happily married couple.”
Arm in arm, they looked the picture of happiness.
"I'm a very lucky man," Richard said.
"Indeed.”
I looked at Julie. “By law, I’m obligated to inform you of your rights. You may ask the state attorney to file a criminal complaint against the abuser. You may petition the court for a restraining order.”
She looked at me like it was absurd.
I dug into my pocket and handed her a victim’s rights card. “There are helpful numbers in case you need shelter, counseling, or legal assistance.”
“I need none of those things,” she assured.
Richard grew red in the face.
“I also must inform you the report will be forwarded to a certified domestic violence center.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Richard barked. “We’ve done nothing wrong, now we’re going to be in the system?”
“I’m sorry. It’s mandatory. You’ll likely receive a follow-up call from the center within the next few days.”
