Chapter Eight: The Aftermath
Six months later, Richard was convicted on seventeen counts.
The Chief of Police was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Richard's mother cooperated with the investigation—testifying against her son in exchange for immunity.
Lily's divorce was granted immediately.
She moved in with me while she recovered—physically and emotionally.
Therapy twice a week. Support groups for domestic violence survivors. Long walks through the park where we'd talk about everything and nothing.
Slowly, she started to heal.
The bruises faded.
Her smile returned.
And when the verdict came in, she was beside me, holding my hand.
"Dad..."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For not giving up on me."
I pulled her close.
"I will never give up on you. Not now. Not ever. You're my daughter. And there's nothing in this world—or any world—that could ever change that."
She cried.
May you like
I held her.
And for the first time in years, I slept peacefully.
