Chapter 10: What the Hearing Found
The SRA hearing took place on a grey Tuesday in October.
Naomi didn't attend.
Clare had told her there was no need, and that her presence would add nothing the documentation hadn't already said more clearly.
She took Maisie to the park instead.
They fed the ducks with the end of a stale loaf and Maisie narrated the personality of each duck in considerable detail.
The large grey one was called Gerald.
Gerald, according to Maisie, was greedy but basically good-hearted.
Clare called at two o'clock.
Naomi stepped away from the duck pond and answered.
"Holloway has been suspended pending a full disciplinary investigation," Clare said.
"The panel found sufficient evidence of a pattern of conduct across both cases to warrant suspension of his practising certificate effective immediately.
The investigation will take four to six months.
Disbarment is a realistic outcome."
"And the custody application?"
"Set aside in full.
The family court accepted our application this morning — I didn't want to tell you until both came through.
The fabricated evidence finding means the application has no legal standing.
It's gone, Naomi.
Completely."
Naomi looked across the park at Maisie, who was now having a serious conversation with Gerald the duck.
"What about Vanessa?"
"She retained a solicitor last week.
She has not made any further contact with you, with Graham, or with Eleanor.
Her solicitor sent a letter indicating she does not intend to contest the SRA findings as they relate to her instructions to Holloway." Clare paused.
"Which is, in plain language, an acknowledgment that the instructions happened."
"Is that enough?"
"It is enough for now.
If she attempts anything similar in the future — toward Maisie or toward anyone else — this record exists.
It will follow her." Clare's voice was measured.
"Sometimes the consequence isn't a single dramatic moment.
Sometimes it's a door that closes and stays closed."
Naomi thanked her and put the phone in her pocket.
She walked back to the duck pond.
Maisie looked up.
"Gerald ate all the bread," Maisie reported.
"I told him to share but he didn't listen."
"Some people are like that," Naomi said.
"Is Gerald a people?"
"Not technically."
Maisie considered this.
"He should still share."
"You're right," Naomi said.
May you like
"He should."
She took Maisie's hand and they walked back toward the gate, the afternoon light low and pale across the grass, Gerald already moving on to the next visitor with the same unhurried confidence.
