Chapter 1 - The Call From the Garage
Eli crouched beside the large trash can in the suburban garage, one small hand pressed over his mouth while tears slid down his cheeks.
The late-afternoon sun came through the narrow garage windows.
His green T-shirt was twisted at one shoulder.
He whispered into the phone.
“Mommy, he’s hitting me again.”
A shadow crossed him.
Cole snatched the phone from Eli’s hand.
Before the boy could reach for it, Cole hurled it straight into the trash can.
“Keep crying—I dare your damn mother to try and save you now.”
Eli backed into the wall.
Then the side garage door crashed open.
Walter stormed inside.
“Stay away from my grandson.”
Cole turned.
For half a second he looked surprised.
Then he shoved Walter hard in the chest.
Walter staggered once, caught himself, grabbed Cole’s black T-shirt with both hands and slammed him against the trash can.
Plastic cracked loudly against the concrete wall.
Walter released him immediately and pulled Eli behind his body.
Cole straightened his shirt.
And smiled.
“You think I did this behind her back?”
Walter stared at him.
Cole wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Ask your daughter who gave me permission to do it.”
Walter stopped moving.
Behind him, Eli lowered his head.
“Grandpa?”
Walter turned slightly.
Eli’s voice was barely audible.
“Sometimes Mom just stood there and watched me get hit.”
Walter looked down at his grandson.
Cole remained beside the workbench, still wearing that ugly little smirk.
May you like
Walter had driven across town believing he was about to rescue Eli from one dangerous man.
Now he was terrified the boy might need protection from someone else too.
