Chapter 2 – The Men Waiting Outside
The heavy footsteps stopped at the apartment door.
Three firm knocks followed.
Colonel James Bennett never looked away from Ryan.
"Come in."
The door opened.
Two Chicago Police detectives entered first, followed by a military physician from the nearby Army medical center and a female paramedic carrying an emergency trauma bag.
Earlier that morning, James had called them after weeks of unanswered instincts.
He had prayed he was overreacting.
Now he wished he had come sooner.
The female medic approached the bed and gently examined Emily.
Every bruise was carefully documented.
The room fell into complete silence when she uncovered the swollen handprint beside Emily's stomach.
She slowly looked toward Detective Laura Mitchell.
"These injuries were not caused by accidental falls."
Ryan immediately stepped forward.
"She's confused. Pregnancy hormones—"
"Enough."
James' voice cut through the room like steel.
For the first time in thirty-four years of military service, he wasn't speaking as an officer.
He was speaking as a father.
"I trusted you with the most important person in my life."
Ryan swallowed nervously.
"I love her."
James looked directly into his eyes.
"No."
"You loved controlling her."
The detectives placed Ryan in handcuffs.
Linda rushed forward.
"You can't arrest my son!"
Detective Mitchell calmly replied,
"We're arresting him because the evidence is speaking louder than either of you."
As Ryan was escorted out of the apartment, he turned toward Emily.
"You'll regret this!"
Emily quietly shook her head.
May you like
"No."
"I regret staying."
