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 16

Edward

I paced the living room, waiting for Detective Carter to come back out. The air was thick with tension and the smell of coffee. My parents watched me with concern from the couch, where they sat in silence. A clock ticked on the wall, counting down the seconds until the truth came out. Whatever the truth was. Bella told me she didn't want me in the room, although she agreed to let her father stay in there.

Rosalie's arrival surprised me.

"Bella called me," Rosalie said. "She said Carter wanted to talk to her again."

Rosalie's presence confused me. I hadn't spoken with Bella about getting a lawyer. "Uh?" I muttered.

"Detective Carter gave her my number."

I shook my head, stepping aside so she could enter. I tried to remember if Carter gave Bella anything other than his card.

My gaze moved to the clock. The half-hour Carter told me the conversation would take had come and gone. It was nearing a quarter to three.

"What's taking so long?" I asked.

A sigh came from the couch. "Edward," Dad said gently, "it takes time to answer questions."

"But he said a half hour."

I protested, glancing at the clock for a second time.

"True, son. Bella might have remembered something." Dad shrugged, trying to sound hopeful. However, I could tell he was worried too.

I slumped in one of the recliners. "Do you think she'll share with us, too?" I asked, feeling helpless. We had been in the dark for too long.

"Someday she might," Mom answered, giving me a sad smile. She reached out to hold my hand, but I pulled away. I needed space.

Meanwhile, Rosalie and Detective Carter walked into the living room. They had been talking in the hallway for a while. I wondered what they had discussed.

"And in the meantime, I do what?" I knew the answer, but I needed to hear it from someone else. Maybe they had some advice for me.

"Patience. Understanding. A shoulder to cry on," Rosalie said, looking at me with sympathy. She was Bella's lawyer, but she understood what Bella was going through.

"And someone to protect her," Detective Carter added, nodding at me. "From what I've seen so far, you're the man for the job." He had been investigating Bella's case for a week.

And I understood where he was coming from. It was my fear too. Chris was still out there, somewhere. Until he was behind bars, he was a threat.

"I've already notified the tenants of new security measures being implanted. Their response was positive, and many said that they would feel safer."

Detective Carter scratched his chin. "That's more than I expected. And you might consider other actions. The name you emailed me…"

He trailed off as I balled my fist. The bastard. I knew the landlord was connected to Chris, I just prayed I was wrong. And no wonder he resigned. Moved out. "He already quit," I remarked, my voice tight. "And moved out. No forwarding address."

"I'll find him," Carter promised, putting on his jacket. "I'll call when I learn anything. But don't hesitate to call me."