Chapter 1: The Soldiers at the Door
Chapter 1: The Soldiers at the Door
The heavy footsteps stopped outside the apartment.
A sharp knock echoed through the hallway.
Colonel James Bennett never took his eyes off Ryan.
"Come in."
The apartment door opened, and two military police officers stepped inside alongside two Chicago police detectives. The colonel had made one phone call while driving over after weeks of unanswered questions. He had trusted his instincts more than anyone's explanations.
Ryan's face turned pale.
"Colonel... this is a misunderstanding."
James ignored him.
He carefully covered Emily with the blanket again before kneeling beside her.
"You don't have to hide anymore," he whispered.
Emily broke down.
"I tried to protect the baby."
"You already have."
She buried her face against his chest as years of military discipline barely held James together.
One detective turned toward Ryan.
"Sir, we'd like you to step outside."
Linda immediately protested.
"This is ridiculous! She bruises easily because she's pregnant."
The detective looked at the dark fingerprints across Emily's stomach.
"Those aren't pregnancy bruises."
Ryan reached toward Emily.
"I love my wife."
James stepped between them.
"No," he said calmly.
"You loved controlling her."
May you like
Ryan and Linda were escorted from the apartment while paramedics rushed inside.
Emily was finally safe.
