“John,” he nodded.
“Bill,” I said. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me,” Bill grunted. “I just read the law. But between you and me? If you hadn’t broken his knees, I might have.”
We walked out of the courthouse together. The sun was shining. The storm was over.
Mark went to trial six months later. With the body cam footage, the medical reports, and Lily’s testimony, it was a slam dunk. He got twenty years. He’ll be an old man when he gets out. An old man with a limp and no money, because Lily sued him for everything he had in the divorce settlement.
Part 6: The Soldier’s Rose Garden
One Year Later
The roses were blooming early this year. The vibrant red petals stood out against the green of the manicured lawn.
I was on my knees, pruning shears in hand, deadheading the faded blooms. The sun was warm on my back.
