Chapter 1: The Bruises He Couldn't Hide From
My father pulled the blanket away before I could stop him.
I curled tightly around my seven-month-pregnant belly, but the bruises were already visible—dark marks covering my arms, ribs, thighs, and beside the curve of my abdomen.
"Dad…
please don't look."
Colonel James Bennett did not say a word.
He stared at every bruise.
Then slowly turned toward my husband.
Ryan's face lost all color.
"Colonel, I can explain."
Dad bent carefully, placed one arm beneath my knees and the other behind my back, and lifted me against his decorated uniform.
Linda pointed toward me from the doorway.
"She threw herself on the floor!
She's such a drama queen."
Dad glanced at her once.
His expression remained completely still.
Ryan stepped closer.
Dad's voice dropped.
"Take one more step toward my daughter."
Heavy boots sounded in the hallway.
Sergeant Cole appeared, followed by two soldiers.
Ryan froze.
Linda's confidence vanished.
Dad carried me toward them while keeping his eyes fixed on my husband.
"Sergeant…
show them what we found."
Cole raised the sealed evidence case in both hands.
Ryan made a choking sound.
And Linda whispered:
"No."
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What was inside that evidence case — and what happens to Ryan and Linda next?
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