What they'd been doing wrong, she said, they weren't told. They're both published scholars and counselors, and Ed Coates has gained recognition as an authority in sex education. Neal, a licensed lawyer, is completing a doctorate in international relations to to teach this political science subspecialty at a university. Nick is an accountant employed by a California insurance company, and Nelson is an Emmy-nominated production designer in Hollywood. The Abilene couple worry that some will take their quest as simply a grudge battle between in-laws.
Children are vulnerable enough.
It galls them that an ex-convict, who they say is quite capable of violence, has become so big a part of their grandchildren's lives. Lawyers' and private investigators' fees have kept the meter spinning, but they consider the money well spent. They said they've had numerous leads, and they're learning how to check out some of the leads themselves. Though the ordeal has been a major drain on their finances, the Coateses say the prayers and material support of family and friends has helped them bear up well emotionally and physically. People have been very kind.