Page 34 of Road to Absolution

Scorch was right. Battle scars could make you wiser, stronger…

My scars may not have been visible, but they could still be seen through my spirit if only I was brave enough to let them show.

Dickwas shocked as shit. His mouth was gaping as he backed away. I followed, keeping the gun to his head. I was rattled and trembling accordingly, but I was ready to fight. My husband didn’t have his gloves on, so I stepped into the ring in his place.

How many victims get such a chance? To finally have the upper hand—the power—over their abusers?

See my scars, you sonofabitch!

If I had an evil bone in my body, James Gunn Dalton would have died that night. But this man was also my childhood friend. One I had adored and treasured. Every ounce of my soul begged for me not to become his murderer. My soul asked for Kenny—the sweet side of him—to have… freedom.

My soul also asked for me to have pity on the woman who loved him more than I ever could.

The door swung open. Justice ran in but stopped with a gasp. “No. Don’t do it. Please.”

Not acknowledging her, barrel to skin, I sneered in Dick’s face. “No more. This is it. You are done with me and my family. I swear to God, may he strike me down if I’m lying, I will kill you if you fucking dare come near us ever again.”

I couldn’t be sure, but maybe the old Kenny somehow heard me, because Dick’s whole body sighed. It was eerie. Then he dipped his chin. “You have my word.”

Gasping, because it felt like all the air in my lungs had shifted, I slowly, keeping the gun pointed, backed away.

Watching me, Dick cautiously moved toward Justice, who, with her hands in the air, pleaded with me, more scared than I could have ever imagined such a strong woman. She looked so torn. It was as if she understood my anguish… and bravery for letting him go.

Almost to her, Dick grinned. “There’s my girl.”

Justice exhaled, “I’m not your girl,” then leapt into his arms. Holding him and howling with tears, she cried, “You almost got him killed, you asshole. Please don’t get him killed. I need him. The babies need him.”

Walking out the door, holding her to him, he said, “I will never go near Delilah again. I swear it.”

The door shut.

I stumbled back a few steps, letting my arm come down.

It was a night I never told anyone about. Not even Viola.

All I did was crawl into bed with my husband. Careful of the tubes, bandages, wires, and his legs, with my belly between us, I snuggled to his chest. I prayed for his arms to hold me, but they didn’t.

They didn’t.

They didn’t…

I love you, Maverick.