Diary 12May
My former husband gave our son a wooden rocking horse, but the moment I opened it and found a hidden recorder I rang my solicitor straight away. Our divorce had already been a bitter affair, but dragging Ethan into this? That was a new low, even for him. My hands trembled as I stared at the device, and the urge to smash it against the wall was almost overwhelming.
I knew I had to keep my wits about me. I needed counsel, someone to steady me and assure me that I wouldnt lose my boy over this.
With shaking fingers I dialled Susan Clarkes number. She picked up on the second ring.
Genevieve? Whats happened? Her calm, confident tone was my anchor.
Susan, you wont believe what Anthony did, I whispered, fighting back tears. He slipped a recorder into Ethans rocking horse. Hes trying to collect evidence against me.
Susan sighed, the sound of papers rustling in the background. Take a deep breath, Genevieve. Anything recorded in that manner would be inadmissible in court. He cant use it to his advantage.
Are you sure? I asked, barely audible.
Absolutely, she replied firmly. Stay composed. If this ever comes out, it will backfire on him. How did you discover it?
I told her everythingfrom the odd noises at night to the moment I finally uncovered the device.
After I finished, Susan said, Alright. Heres what youll do. Turn it to your benefit. Make sure theres nothing useful on the recorder. Flip the situation on its head.
Her words sparked a fire inside me.
I wasnt about to let Anthony walk away clean. Thank you, Susan. Ill handle it.
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 TV and let it capture hours of childrens cartoons and advertising jingles. The monotonous, repetitive hum left it with only meaningless chatter.
Satisfied, I slipped the recorder back into the rocking horse, ensuring everything looked untouched. The thrill of outwitting Anthony was almost tangible.
The weekend arrived and Anthony turned up. I greeted him with feigned courtesy, my stomach churning with anticipation. I watched him chat with Ethan, his eyes repeatedly flicking toward the rocking horse.
Ethan, why dont you show Dad how you ride your horse? I suggested, my voice as sweet as honey.
Ethan leapt onto the toy, his grin wide. Anthonys gaze hardened with calculation.
I waited, heart pounding, as Anthony quietly slipped the device away. I barely contained my satisfaction, imagining his disappointment when he later listened to the useless recordings.
Days passed and Anthony never mentioned the incident. His silence spoke louder than words. It seemed he knew he had lost, and didnt want to admit it. I took his quiet as a tacit acknowledgment of defeata silent truce.
The sense of triumph and relief was overwhelming. I had protected my son and outsmarted my exhusband. That small, yet significant victory reinforced my resolve to stay vigilant.
Anthony will never get the better of me. Not now, not ever.
Later, when Ethan was already asleep, I couldnt help but smile. The house was hushed, the rocking horse sitting innocently in the corner.
I was tested, and I won. I know Ill do it again, whatever comes, to keep my son safe and his life happy.
