Betrayal - Fern Michaels [51]
“Dr. Sheffield, when did the child in this case first visit your office?” the ADA asked. Because the child was still a minor and the cameras were in the courtroom, Judge Stowers had asked they refer to her as “the child” in order to protect her identity. When it came time to view the video of her testimony, the media would be asked to leave and the cameras would be turned off.
The doctor looked through a binder she brought to the witness stand. “It was ten days ago.”
“And how many times did you see this child in your office?”
“I saw her six times in my office and twice in her home,” Dr. Sheffield stated.
“And why did you visit the child in her home?”
“It’s not unusual for children who have been sexually abused to—”
“Objection!” James shouted. “The court has not proved there was sexual abuse of any kind!”
“Overruled again, Mr. Conroy. That’s what we’re here to find out,” the judge explained for the second time.
“You may continue, Dr. Sheffield,” Judge Stowers advised.
“As I was saying, it’s not unusual for children who’ve suffered sexual abuse to display different behavior patterns in the home.”
“And did you find the child to act any differently at home than during the visits to your office?”
The doctor looked out into the courtroom, searching for a set of eyes. Kate turned to follow the doctor’s stare. Debbie Winter sat three rows behind the prosecution table.
“Dr. Sheffield?” Wykowski prompted.
“I found the behavior of the child to be exactly the same as she displayed during our visits.”
Muffled whispers could be heard throughout the room.
“Order!” Judge Stowers said, then banged her gavel for dramatic effect.
Once again, silence reigned in the courtroom.
“Was this unusual?” Wykowski questioned.
“Not at all.”
“Can you explain to the court the types of behaviors most common and uncommon in child victims of sexual abuse?”
“First and foremost, their sense of security is damaged. They may be clingy, whereas before they may have felt entirely comfortable on their own. They may no longer trust those in authority. Some children act violently. Others, depending on their age, may become sexually promiscuous. It varies from case to case. These are only a few of the changes one might expect to see.”
“Of the behavioral changes you mentioned, did you have the opportunity to view any of these behaviors during your examination of the child in question?”
“Yes.”
“And which would that be?”
Dr. Sheffield smiled before answering. “The child was quite angry.”
“Was she violent in any way?”
“Never, just angry. She doesn’t know how to release the anger she feels at her abuser; therefore, she exhibits anger at simple, everyday things.”
“Could you explain this to the court?” Wykowski asked.
“When I would ask a simple question, such as,
‘What is your favorite television program,’ she would shout, telling me she hated everything on television. She said the only thing she liked to do was eat.”
“And you found that what, Dr. Sheffield?”
“Typical of her situation. The child is devastated, finding her only comfort in food. Her weight is extremely high for a child her age and height.”
“I have no further questions for this witness, Your Honor.”
“Mr. Conroy, do you wish to cross-examine the state’s witness?”
James stood, then walked to the front of the courtroom. After scanning the audience, he walked very slowly to the jury box.
“Yes, I would very much like to question the state’s witness.”
“Proceed,” Judge Stowers ordered.
“First I, too, would like to thank the fine people of Collier County for giving us their time and their attention. It’s not going to be easy hearing some of the things you’re going to hear.”
“Mr. Conroy, you waived your right to make an opening statement, I’ll ask that you question the witness and save your comments for closing statements. If you choose to make one.”
“Yes, Your Honor. Allow me to apologize for wasting the court’s time.” He walked to the witness