Chapter 6 - Leaving the Ashes Behind
My father guided me toward the central SUV. Julian opened the reinforced door, and I slid into the butter-soft leather interior. The scent of familiar sandalwood and rich leather immediately brought back the comfort of my childhood.
Through the tinted glass, I watched the pathetic spectacle unfolding outside.
Daniel had managed to drag himself to his feet, lunging toward our vehicle. "Emily! Don't get in that car! If you leave this property, we're done! Do you hear me? We're done!"
Julian stepped into his path, placing an open palm against Daniel’s chest and shoving him backward with casual ease. Daniel tumbled over the edge of the stone fountain, crashing into the icy, recirculated water with a loud, disgraceful splash.
Margaret let out another blood-curdling scream, rushing toward the pool to pull her soaking wet, sobbing son from the filthy water.
"Julian," my father called out calmly through the lowered window.
"Sir?"
"Ensure the local precinct sends their domestic assault unit immediately. I want the security footage from every camera on this estate seized before they have a chance to erase it."
"The warrants are already being processed, Mr. Carter. Detective Morrison is personally on his way."
The engine rumbled with a quiet, devastating power. As the three SUVs reversed and pivoted smoothly toward the iron gates, I looked out the back window. Daniel was standing knee-deep in the fountain, drenched and shivering, screaming curses that were swallowed whole by the night.
I leaned my head against my father's shoulder.
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"I'm sorry, Daddy," I whispered, the weight of the last six years finally collapsing onto my chest. "I should have listened to you. You warned me about him before the wedding."
My father put his arm around me, holding me tight against his side. "Hush now, Emily. You wanted to believe in people. That is not a crime. What they did to you—that is the crime. And I promise you, by the time the sun sets tomorrow, Daniel Whitmore will beg for the floor he dragged you across."
