Breaking Free
Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.
Chapter 15
Detective Carter
My fingers drummed on the keyboard, as if urging the database to load faster. I was in my dimly lit office, the only source of light coming from the computer screen. The name Bella Swan had given me of her attacker and ex-boyfriend sounded familiar. Chris Stone. Why did I know that name?
The database finally loaded, and I typed in his name. A mugshot appeared on the screen, along with a list of charges: assault, robbery, drug possession, and more. He had a long criminal record, dating back to his teenage years. His hair was the color of bitter chocolate, his eyes were icy blue, and his muscles bulged under his tight shirt. He looked like a predator, ready to pounce on his prey.
I scanned the list of offenses, feeling a surge of anger. I swore under my breath. Chris had been accused of attempted murder two years ago, but they dismissed the case. That's how I knew his name. The victim refused to testify. The district attorney lacked enough evidence to pursue the case without the victim's testimony. I wondered if Bella would be brave enough to face him in court, or if she would suffer the same fate as the previous victim – moving away and remaining silent.
First, I had to find Chris. And to do that, I needed to talk to Bella again. Reaching for my cellphone, I dialed her number.
"Hello, this is Edward," said the voice on the other end of the line.
"Edward, this is Detective Carter. I was wondering if I could stop by and talk to Bella."
Edward sighed heavily, sounding frustrated. "When were you thinking?" he asked.
My gaze moved to the time on the computer screen. It was noon. "Two o'clock," I answered.
"Give me a minute." He paused, then said, "Fine. But make it quick. She's having a bad day and really needs to rest."
I smiled likely how Edward was looking out for Bella.
"I'll try to keep it to a half hour."
~~~ Breaking Free ~~~
I arrived at Bella's apartment at two o'clock sharp. I knocked on the door. It was a few moments before it was opened by Edward.
"Detective," he greeted. "Come in."
The living room was crowded with four people, sitting on various pieces of furniture. The air was tense and quiet, as if they were waiting for something to happen. I nodded at the couple, waiting to see if Edward would introduce me to them. Charlie I knew, but I wondered what he was doing here.
"Detective Carter, this is my parents, Carlisle and Esme," he said, pointing to a couple sitting next to each other on the couch.
"An honor," I said.
Edward indicated a gentleman with a graying mustache, sitting in one of the recliners. "Charlie, Bella's father."
Ah, I thought with smiled. "Charlie, good to see you again. Wish it was under better circumstances."
Charlie raised his hand as if saying it is what it is. "The years have been good to you, Ryan."
I laughed. "That they have."
I turned to the blonde. "Rosalie, a pleasure. Glad to see Bella called you."
Rosalie beamed at me. "It was actually Edward who called me. I spoken a little with Bella and she would like me and Charlie to be in the room, if that's fine with you."
"Perfectly fine. I want Bella to be comfortable."
~~~ Breaking Free ~~~
Charlie led the way to the bedroom with Rosalie and me following. Bella was sitting up in bed. She looked over at us. She clutched a pillow to her chest.
Her face looked worse than it had yesterday when I spoke with her at the hospital. The bruise blossomed across her cheek like a dark shadow.
"Detective Carter," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She sounded scared and tired, as if every word was an effort.
Charlie settled on the other side of her on the bed, while Rosalie sat on the floor in the corner. Out of the way but in sight. I leaned against the wall and crossed my ankles, notepad in my hand.
"Bella," I started. "I don't want to talk long. I just have a few questions for you."
She nodded. "That's fine. There's some things I want to tell you. Stuff I should have told someone months ago." She turned to Charlie. "Dad, I wasn't completely truth with you. And after speaking with Rosalie, I've decided to be honest with you, with myself."
Charlie glanced at me and then back at his daughter. "Bells, we are listening. Ryan's questions can wait."
"That's right, Bella," I said in confirmation. "You might even answer my questions with me having to ask."
Bella's chest rose and fell as she breathed. She still held tight to the pillow. Her eyes didn't move from Charlie as she began talking. I didn't mind. Her comfort mattered.
"Chris and I met at Cozy Coffee House near Western Washington University, where we were both students. He told me he was a junior, so he might be a senior now. It was six or seven months ago that we met." She paused, burying her nose in the pillow.
"He was charming, swept me off me feet. It wasn't long after he sat down with me that he asked me out. Three months later, I graduated and it was like a switch flipped. Chris became cruel and a little possessive."
She shivered and Charlie rubbed her back.
"I should have end things then, but he had his moments. One night, I found him waiting for me. He had a single rose in his hand. We didn't have plans and I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was relax." She swiped at her eyes, as she continued. "He forced himself on me that night."
Rape. That was a new one accusation, and I had no doubt it was true.
"I should have gone to the hospital and filled charges, but I was ashamed of myself. And Chris convinced me no one believe my story."
I pursed my lips to prevent from saying anything. Her story wasn't new and not the first time I've heard it.
"I broke up with him. Three weeks later, he came to me all apologetic. I made the mistake of taking him back. Since he's been back in my life, his cruelty became worse. He started hitting me, cutting me, and threatening me."
This time I couldn't hold me tongue. "Threatening you how?"
Bella's glassy gaze moved to me. "Killing me or someone I loved."
"Is that why you hide phone numbers?" Charlie asked.
Her lips disappeared into her mouth as she nodded.
"That's typical for abuse victims," Rosalie said. "I did the same."
Bella head swung slowly to Rosalie. "You were abused."
"Yes, sweetie. I was. And I fought back. Filed charges. Took his ass to court."
"And?" Bella whispered in question.
Rosalie grinned. "I won. The jerk is behind bars."
"Jail is too good for Chris. He deserves to beaten or to die," Bella remarked, glancing back at me. "Detective, can we make that happen?"
I raised an eyebrow at the question. "If we can find him, but it will be up to the courts on the penalty."
"Find him, then. I can't let this happen to someone else."
I smirked. She was a spitfire. Full of spirit.
"Okay. You answered all but one question."
"I don't know where you can look," she supplied to my unspoken question. "But you might try the campus. He sales drugs. Not sure what kind."
"I'm aware." I turned my wrist, checking my watch. Forty-five minutes, fifteen minutes longer than I told Edward I would speak with Bella. "I'll let you rest. If you think of anything else, call me. Edward has my number." I made to leave the room.
"Detective," Bella called.
My gaze moved over my shoulder.
"The knife he cut my thigh with is hidden under the sink. It's in a Ziplock bag. I thought it might come in handy one day."
"You didn't touch it, did you?" I asked, surprised she thought to save the knife.
She laughed. "No. Being a cop's daughter, I was taught not to touch evidence. I put on rubber gloves."
I chuckled. "Of course, you learned better. I'll go collect it."