CHAPTER 9
Officer Harris stepped between Vivian and the patio.
“Vivian Cole, I need you to come with me.”
Vivian laughed once, sharp and desperate.
“For what? Caring for a difficult elderly woman?”
Emily looked at her.
“You kept her locked outside.”
“It was temporary.”
“You stole from her.”
“I managed assets.”
“You blocked my calls.”
“She needed peace.”
Emily’s voice dropped.
“She needed her daughter.”
Vivian’s face twisted.
“You don’t get to judge me. You left. You chose the military over this family.”
Emily flinched.
For years, that guilt had followed her everywhere.
Every airport.
Every deployment.
Every missed birthday.
But Eleanor lifted her head.
“No,” she said.
Everyone turned.
Eleanor’s voice was weak, but clear.
“My daughter served her country. You served yourself.”
Vivian stared at her.
For once, Eleanor did not look away.
Officer Harris took Vivian gently but firmly by the arm.
May you like
“Ma’am, step away from them.”
Vivian’s power ended right there, beneath the white arches, in front of the cage she thought would stay hidden.
