Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

The words left everyone present in silence.

Even though Jackson had long known the outcome, he was still incredulous. "She is your mother!"

"No, she is a prison officer!

She turned the place that was supposed to be called home into a prison as well.

I am the number one inmate, and my father is her second inmate.

She makes the rules, controls our lives, and claims it's for our own good in the name of love.

I've had enough of it."

These words couldn't make Jackson accept it, and he asked, "You keep blaming, but I want to know what exactly she did?"

"Wow... there's a lot to say." Teresa Lewis gave a bitter smile, "You must wake up before six in the morning, make the bed; finish washing up by six ten; go out to exercise by six twenty; and come back to have breakfast at seven.

She would drive to work, and I had to do housework and take the bus to school by myself.

I had to be home before six at night, wash up by seven thirty, and be in bed by eight.

Also, toothbrushes and toothpaste had to be neatly arranged, no talking during meals, no longer than ten minutes, and even my shower and toilet times and frequencies were regulated by her.

She had control over every aspect of my life; I never felt a shred of freedom growing up.

In my view, it wasn't a home at all but a prison."

Jackson looked at Alec Wyatt on the side, "Is what she says true?"

"Yes, Latifa Gallo is indeed strict and very controlling. I don't like that about her either. Every time we argue, it's because she controls too much.

Teresa is only thirteen years old; she's still a child. She needs to express her own nature and live freely according to her wishes. I hope her life can be a bit 'looser', not everything pre-arranged.

I have tried to help Teresa fight for some freedom, but it's not very effective."

Jackson pressed further, "Does she make such demands on you too?"

"Yes, she also made similar demands on me. Underwear and socks must be washed on the same day, no phone after going to bed, sleep before 10 p.m., get up at 6 a.m., balanced nutrition for food, specific amounts for meat, vegetables, carbs, and nuts. What if today I just want to eat meat, can I have more?

No!

Absolutely not.

She has various demands on me, and I know these demands are 'for my own good', but I just... want to live my own way.

She tries to control my life, but I'm an adult, better than Teresa.

Teresa is a good kid and she's... 'suffering a lot'."

Jackson said, "Teresa, you are already thirteen years old, with the ability to think independently. If you are not satisfied with Latifa Gallo's approach, why not speak up?"

Teresa Lewis retorted, "How do you know I haven't spoken up?

I've said it many times, in various ways.

In the end, I realized our statuses were not equal; prisoners have no right to negotiate with wardens."

Jackson sighed, "Why not report it to the relevant authorities?"

"I reported her. The child protection agency also sent people to verify, and the result was that I live in a very happy family, with ample and balanced nutrition, reasonable routines, a healthy body, and no signs of being beaten.

Latifa Gallo is a qualified mother, and I am just a spoiled child who cries at the slightest dissatisfaction and demands to change my parents." Teresa Lewis showed a self-deprecating smile, "Do you know what Latifa Gallo did after the child protection agency people left?

She looked at me contemptuously and said this was child's play for her.

The prison often receives reports and faces various inspections, which she is used to dealing with.

She's very good at handling such situations and knows how to win these people's trust.

She also warned me not to play tricks again.

It would only embarrass me more."

Jackson seized on a key point, "You said Latifa Gallo never beat you?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you obey her? Is there punishment if you don't?"

"Of course, she makes me reflect by facing the wall, eat food I don't like, and says degrading things to me, constantly...

Oh, and before that, she would search me. I'm not sure if she was worried about me recording or if it was just a habit.

So I can't produce any evidence."

Luke asked, "What prompted you to take such an extreme action?"

"That afternoon, I came home to find her bound and gagged. I helped remove the tape and asked her what had happened.

She wouldn't say and told me not to meddle.

I wanted to call the police, but she refused.

I wanted to call Alec Wyatt, but she wouldn't allow it either." Latifa Gallo shrugged, "At that moment, I was at a loss too, and asked what the hell she was doing?

She was furious and told me not to interfere.

I insisted on calling Alec because he is part of this family and has the right to know what's happening.

Latifa Gallo snapped; she loudly ordered me to put down the phone and said Alec would soon no longer be part of this family.

I asked her what she meant?

She asked me to untie the ropes on her hands.