I received a call from a woman deep in a custody battle. Her 6-year-old son told her that when he was with his father, “Daddy drives really fast” and “keeps hitting the rough road.” That “rough road” was the rumble strip—a warning sign for swerving drivers.
Fearing her ex was drinking and driving with their son, the client sought an emergency hearing. In court, her ex swore he didn’t drink and accused her of being “a vengeful woman trying to hurt his reputation.”
To her shock, the judge believed him—and not only dismissed her concerns but increased his visitation time. The judge told her, “You’re a privileged individual trying to use this court for your own agenda.”
😤 That was the moment our team of female investigators at StillWatch got fired up and got to work.
🥂 Day One — Saturday Morning: Metro Diner, Rivergate
One of our best, Buffy, followed the subject and his son to breakfast at Metro Diner. She sat nearby, keeping it casual. She overheard him tell the server:
“Two mimosas—and keep them coming.”
Buffy discreetly snapped a quick video of him drinking mimosas with his child present, then captured a shot of the receipt. Though it didn’t list the word “mimosa,” she asked the manager what “two-for-one” meant. He confirmed: 🍾 Weekend Mimosas.
The subject left the diner and drove away with his child in the car.
🍽️ Saturday Afternoon: Downtown, Then the Marina
Two new investigators picked up surveillance as the subject and child returned home. Around 2 PM, they left again—this time for a high-end restaurant downtown.
There, the subject met with a woman (they kissed on arrival). The subject ordered:
- 🍺 Two beers
- 🍸 One gin & tonic
The woman had a Long Island Iced Tea and appeared very tipsy. The only one who ordered food? The 6-year-old boy.
After about an hour, they discussed heading to the Marina, where a friend was relaxing on a boat. Surveillance was switched again to avoid detection.
At the Marina, the boy played near the water while the couple stayed at the bar. Our team documented three more cocktails consumed by the subject.
🛣️ Around 8 PM, he left with his son.
🚗 Our dash cam recorded him weaving out of his lane 17 times, hitting rumble strips, speeding to 75 mph, then dropping to 40 mph, then back to 90.
📹 We had all we needed—for now.
📆 Six Months of Surveillance
The client wanted ironclad proof, so we followed him for six months.
One major surveillance day involved a horse race event.
🐎 Five investigators were there. We watched the subject consume 30 alcoholic drinks between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Again, the child wasn’t present, but the behavior was documented.
🚨 On the way home, he drove 80–90 mph the entire route.
We called the highway patrol, but he wasn’t intercepted.
👨⚖️ The Courtroom Showdown
On court day, the subject boldly claimed on the stand:
“I haven’t had a drink in 90 days.”
Our client’s attorney stood up, holding a thick stack of 11 x 18 photo enlargements.
📸 “Is this you at Metro Diner?”
📸 “Is this a mimosa glass on your table?”
📸 “Is this you at Corner Bar?”
📸 “You said that’s soda water? Then why were you charged for it?”
We even had photos from the very day before court, showing him in a bar.
The judge was furious.
She reduced his visitation to every other weekend and gave a stern warning:
“If I see one more picture of you drinking around this child, you will be held in contempt of court.”
✅ Huge win for our client.
⚖️ But Then… A Twist
A week later, I was served with a subpoena. The subject was trying to get a restraining order against me, claiming I was stalking him and causing “emotional distress.”
I showed up in court.
He poured out his emotions. The judge listened quietly.
When he was done, the judge looked at me and asked, “Is what he said true?”
I said, “Yes, Your Honor. We’ve been conducting surveillance every day.”
The judge replied:
“I’m sorry you’re experiencing distress, sir. But I will not grant this restraining order. Private investigators are legally allowed to conduct surveillance.”
She turned to him and said:
“Your ex-wife is clearly willing to spend money. So when you leave this courtroom today, know that you may be watched at any time.”
Then she looked at me and said:
“You may leave my courtroom now. Go straight to your vehicle and exit the premises.”
I did exactly as instructed.
💼 StillWatch: We Get the Truth Out
Our Nashville private investigator team is committed to finding the truth—ethically, legally, and without fear.
If you’re in a custody battle and need a team that understands the stakes, call us.
📞 615-207-4115
🕵️♀️ Renee Brewer – StillWatch Investigations
