Chapter 10 - The Aftermath
Two Years Later
The sun was setting over our new backyard. After the trial, I had requested a transfer to a base in Colorado. My mother moved with me, and we bought a beautiful ranch house with a wraparound porch and a view of the mountains.
Evelyn was sitting in a rocking chair, sipping sweet tea and throwing a tennis ball for our new rescue dog, a massive German Shepherd named Justice. She looked ten years younger. The fear was gone from her eyes, replaced by a deep, enduring peace.
I stepped out onto the porch, carrying two plates of barbecue.
"Smells amazing, Sarah," my mother smiled, catching the tennis ball.
"Only the best for you, Mom," I smiled back, setting the plates down on the wooden table.
I had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. The FBI had given me a civilian commendation for my role in taking down the syndicate. But none of the medals or promotions mattered as much as the quiet serenity of this porch.
My phone vibrated on the table. It was an unknown number. For a brief second, the old instincts flared. I answered it cautiously.
"Colonel Hayes?" a woman's voice asked. "This is Reporter Jenkins with the Denver Post. I was wondering if you’d be willing to give a statement on the recent reforms in the local police department... inspired by your case in Georgia?"
I looked at my mother, who was laughing as the dog tackled her shoes.
"I appreciate the call, Ms. Jenkins," I said smoothly. "But I've said everything I need to say. I'm just enjoying dinner with my family. Have a good evening."
I hung up, turned off the phone, and tossed it into the house.
May you like
Mark was rotting in a concrete cell, stripped of his name, his fake charm, and his freedom. He thought he could silence the women in his life. Instead, he made us invincible.
I sat down next to my mother, picked up my fork, and finally, truly, began to live.
