Here is the next chapter. Please review. Thanks for reading! Amber

Chapter 14

It was January 4th, Callie and Frank showed up at school as husband and wife. They both had two mods to take before graduation. Now she was eating her lunch in the cafeteria at their normal table. Callie had taken her nausea medication. A jeering voice called over to her. "Hey Callie."

Before the wrestler could finish another word. Rick had gotten behind him. He squeezed his shoulder. "You sure you want to finish that statement? Her husband and I are both 2nd degree black belts."

"I...just wanted to say how nice she looks today."

Patrick squeezed his shoulder. "I'm sure she appreciates the compliment. Mind your manners friend."

Frank gave the wrestler, Tim Baker a nasty glare and put an arm around Callie's waist. Outside their circle of friends. There had been whispering and finger pointing. Frank and Callie ignored it. They knew the gossip would eventually die. Another boy approached their table. This time it was Callie who recognized him. "Hello Miles. Have a nice Christmas and New Years?"

"I did...you?"

"I did. This is my husband Frank Hardy. Frank this is Miles North his father is a member of the GOP caucus and represents the 21st district. You know how Bayport is divided into two districts."

"I do."

"When...when did you get married?"

Callie smiled sweetly. "December 19th."

"Well, My dad wanted me to give you this. I don't know what it is."

"Alright. Thanks." She took the envelope. When he walked away she opened it. It was a note from her father.

It said: Stop avoiding me. I'm your father. The Governor granted me a pardon. Your order of protection doesn't apply. We will move back into the house.

Callie wasn't going to let her father bully her. She tucked the note into her pocket to finish her lunch. But she was shaken to the core. Frank leaned over. "What's upset you?"

Callie wiped a tear from her eye. "The governor pardoned my father."

The whole table stopped talking and stared.

Joe cursed. Vanessa and Ginny both covered their mouths. Rick, Chet, and Phil looked furious. That was nothing compared to Frank. Frank got out his phone and called his father. "Dad!"

"I just found out. How's Callie?"

"She's in shock I think."

"I've contacted Liz Webling's father. Don't worry son. When we're through he'll leave the state with his tail between his legs."

"I guess that's best." Frank hung up. "We need to go public Cal."

"He'll kill me!" The words tumbled out of her mouth in fear.

Frank pulled her close. "He isn't going to hurt you."

Callie was shaking. "Yes he will. He'll find a way."

Frank took her to the counseling office. He said. "Mr. Sims can we use your office a minute? You're welcome to stay."

He gestured inside and pointed to a loveseat. He sat in the chair next to Callie.

Callie burst into tears. "Frank you don't understand. I...I."

Frank took her hand.

Sims handed her a Kleenex. "Help us understand Callie. What are you afraid of?"

Callie sobbed. "My father."

Sims nodded. He had been briefed on what happened to Callie after the last football game and had been worried about her mental state."Callie...tell us when your dad's abuse actually started."

"He started hitting mom about two years ago. And when she wasn't in the house he would hit me." She saw Frank's face and added. "Just slaps. Once when I was little he said I wish you'd never been born. But since you're here you will do your duty. Maintain my image."

"Callie why didn't you tell me? We could have helped you and your mom."

"IWhat happens in this house stays in this house. That's why I couldn't. I didn't know what to do. Mom told me six months ago that he would be leaving soon to hang on. But he found a way to kill her. Frank, he scares me. I can't go public. If I ruin his image he'll blow."

Frank pulled her into his arms. "You can't keep living in fear sweetie."

"Frank I can't help it. I'm so scared. He got a pardon for god's sake. He isn't going to go away. Hopefully, if we don't provoke him he'll stay away."

Frank didn't think her father would just stay away. But it was her decision to go public or not. "Callie, we need to talk to dad. I think once we do he'll understand."

They left school and went straight to Fenton Hardy's office. He was surprised to see them. "Aren't you guys still supposed to be in class?"

"Dad, we need to talk. Callie is terrified at going public."

Fenton sat on her other side on the sofa. He took her hand. "Sweetie what's wrong?"

Callie bit her lip. "What goes on in the house stays in the house. That's the rule."

Alarmed Fenton glanced at Frank. Who said. "She just told me the physical abuse started two years ago."

"If I ruin his image he'll blow. He'll kill me. He never wanted me you see. I was just his possession. I had to maintain his image, his reputation. He told me when I was five maybe six that he wished I'd never been born."

Fenton's heart broke for her. "So he's been emotionally abusing you for even longer."

"I know I'm being a coward. But I can't. Please don't be angry." Callie pleaded.

Fenton soothed. "I'm not angry darling. I'm going to protect you. Getting him out of the state seems like the best option."

Frank soothed her. "We know he won't try anything until after the baby."

"Frank you promise me that you won't let my father anywhere near our baby."

"I promise."

Callie stood up. "I need to think." She left the room.

"I'm worried about her dad."

"Me too son."

The doorbell rang. Fenton went to answer it. It was a man he didn't recognize. "May I help you?"

"I'm Andrew Drake, 's chief of staff. I came to pick up his daughter at his order."

Frank was about to grab this man but his father stopped him. Fenton said icily. "That's not going to happen."

"It's her decision sir. She has her family duties and her father…"

"Wants me to remember that!" Callie shrieked from behind them from the top of the stairs. She was down them in a flash.

Fenton and Frank both grabbed an arm as she squeezed between them. She yelled right from their arms. "Andy you listen and maybe my father will get this through his thick skull. I'm not going to see him again. He almost killed me two days before my eighteenth birthday. I am not a political toy to be possessed. I'm a woman. He can't hurt me anymore. I'm with my husband and his family who love me and I'm not leaving. If he tries to contact me again I will go public with the recording of my assault and the pictures to go with it. I will give very detailed descriptions of what he put me and my mother through. Maybe not everyone will believe me but most will. Now go away!"

"Callie you're delusional. He never hurt you or your mother."

"How do you know? You weren't there."

Fenton said. "I believe you have your answer. Leave my property." Fenton closed his front door and gave her a look.

Frank was grinning.

Callie shrugged. "What? I got mad!"