My former husband gave our son a baby swing, but when I opened it and found a hidden dictaphone, I called my solicitor straight away.
The divorce had already been a mess, but dragging Ethan into this? That was a new low, even for him. My hands trembled as I stared at the recorder, and the urge to smash it against the wall was almost unbearable.
I had to stay sensible, though. I needed advicesomeone to calm me and assure me I wouldnt lose my boy because of this.
With shaking fingers I dialled my solicitors number. She answered on the second ring.
Eleanor? Whats happened? Susans steady voice became my anchor.
Susan, you wont believe what Anthony did, I said, fighting back tears. He slipped the recorder into Ethans swing. Hes trying to gather evidence against me.
Susan sighed, the sound of papers rustling in the background. Take a deep breath, Eleanor. Anything recorded that way is inadmissible in court. He wont be able to use it.
Are you sure? I whispered.
Absolutely, she replied confidently. Keep calm. If this comes out, it will backfire on him. How did you discover it?
I recounted the odd noises, the latenight discovery, every detail.
When I finished, Susan said, All right. Heres what youll do. Turn it to your advantage. Make sure theres nothing useful on the tape. Flip the situation.
Her words sparked a fire inside me. I wasnt about to let Anthony walk away clean.
Thank you, Susan. Ill handle it, I said, determined.
I lifted the recorder and spoke straight into it, Did you hear that, Anthony? Whatever youre planning wont work.
I spent a few hours setting a trap. I placed the recorder beside the television and let it capture hours of childrens cartoons and adverts. The monotonous chatter left the device full of useless noise.
Satisfied, I slipped the recorder back into the swing, making sure everything looked untouched. The thrill of outwitting Anthony was almost tangible.
The weekend arrived, and Anthony came over. I greeted him with feigned politeness, my stomach knotting with anticipation. I watched as he talked to Ethan, his gaze flickering toward the swing now and then.
Ethan, why dont you show dad how you ride your little horse? I suggested, my voice sweet as honey.
Ethan hopped onto the toy horse with delight. Anthonys eyes followed, a calculating look crossing his face.
I waited, heart pounding, as Anthony quietly reached for the device. I barely restrained my satisfaction, imagining his disappointment when he later heard the meaningless recordings.
Days passed and Anthony never mentioned the incident. His silence spoke volumes; he seemed to know he had lost, unwilling to admit defeat. I took his quiet as an unspoken trucea silent acknowledgment of his failure.
The sense of triumph and relief was incredible. I had protected my son and outsmarted my exhusband. That small yet vital victory steeled my resolve to stay vigilant.
Anthony will never get the better of me, now or ever again.
Later, when Ethan was already asleep, I smiled to myself. The house was quiet, the swing sat innocently in the corner.
I had been tested and I had won. And I knew I would do it again, whatever came my way, to keep my son safe and his life happy.
The lesson is clear: when you stand up for those you love, you discover a strength you never knew you possessed.
