Chapter 25 - MADISON RAISES HER HAND AGAIN
Madison’s attorney argued that the meeting video had been misunderstood.
She had raised her hand only to calm Ava.
The live footage showed otherwise.
Ava stepped backward before Madison moved.
Her body already knew what the raised hand meant.
Michael’s camera captured Madison’s expression.
It was not concern.
It was rage at losing control.
Madison was released pending trial under a protective order.
She could not contact Ava, Ethan or the Parker family.
She violated it within twenty-four hours.
A luxury car stopped outside the Parker home after dark.
Madison remained inside.
She sent Rebecca a photograph of Ethan’s bedroom window.
The message read:
YOU CANNOT WATCH HIM FOREVER.
Rebecca’s first instinct was fear.
Her second was anger.
This time, neither emotion decided her action.
She called police.
Michael was still on duty across town.
Captain Ward arrived first.
Madison claimed she had taken the wrong street.
The photograph disproved her.
She had zoomed directly toward Ethan’s window.
Madison was returned to custody.
Ethan watched from behind the curtain.
Rebecca remained beside him.
“Are you scared?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Do you want to stay somewhere else tonight?”
Ethan thought carefully.
“No. I want her to leave.”
Police removed the car.
The street became quiet again.
Rebecca checked every lock.
Then she stopped outside Ethan’s room.
“Do you want the door open or closed?”
“Open.”
She left it open.
At two in the morning, Ethan woke from another nightmare.
Rebecca sat in the hallway.
She had not entered without permission.
“You stayed?”
“Yes.”
“Because Dad told you?”
“No.”
“Because you feel guilty?”
“Partly.”
Ethan considered her honesty.
“What’s the other part?”
“Because you asked for the door to stay open.”
He moved his blanket aside.
Rebecca did not assume.
“Can I sit beside you?”
Ethan nodded.
She sat on the edge of the bed.
He leaned against her shoulder.
It was the first time he had touched her willingly since the slap.
May you like
Rebecca did not call it forgiveness.
She called it one safe moment.
