Page 81 of Jael

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, and I’m sure you can understand why.”

The man on the ground had gotten to his feet slowly, but when the pain had subsided enough for him to react, he went for Danny, fist first. Danny dodged, then threw a punch, catching the guy on the jaw and sending him to the ground again.

Christopher shook his head. “You know, Danny, for someone trying to get into my father’s good books, you’re doing a poor job of it.”

“Two grown men against one woman?” Danny said. “That’s how your dad wants to operate? I can’t help but feel like he’d object. I know his morals are corrupt, but this is low, even for him.”

“He does what’s necessary under the circumstances. But this was never meant to be a fight. That’s on you two. I told Jael to leave, and she refused. She only has herself to blame for Martin’s behavior.”

“Martin?” Becca said from the door. “What’s happened?”

“Becca,” Martin’s voice was muffled from his face being planted in the ground. He was still dazed from the punch and was struggling to get onto his hands and knees.

“Get back inside,” Jael said. “It’s not safe out here. I’ll be in in a minute and explain everything.”

Becca shifted but didn’t close the door.

“Becca,” Jael shouted. “Get inside. Now.”

Becca jumped back and closed the door.

“I’m gonna kill you,” Martin said as he got unsteadily to his feet.

Christopher spun around and took him by the arm, directing him away. He spoke quietly to him as he led him to the car. After shoving him inside, he rejoined Danny and Jael. “You’re going to regret interfering,” he said to Danny.

“I doubt it.”

“And you.” He turned to Jael. “We’ll talk about this later.”

“Becca and the kids are terrified of Martin, and you know it,” she said. “I told you to let the courts handle it.”

“Oh, don’t worry. They will.”

“Youdoknow you’re helping someone who not only abuses his wife but also his child. I know Hannah sent you the report.”

“Wait,” Danny said. “Are you saying?—”

“It’s all conjecture,” Christopher said. “But if this is how you want to do this, Jael. Fine, I’m going to personally set him up with the best lawyer I can find. That woman in there is going down.”

“And if Becca’s not lying?”

Christopher’s jaw worked before he said, “Trust me. I’ve seen this all before. I’ll tell you right now, you picked the wrong side to be on. There will be consequences.”

“I think you should worry about the consequences coming your way,” Danny said, knowing he should keep his mouth shut.

“You’re full of a lot of bravado,” Christopher said, stepping up to him. “If you’re not careful, it will get you killed.”

“We’ll see.”

Christopher smirked and walked back to the car, but Martin had gotten out. “I’m not leaving without my wife and kids. You said I’d get them back today.”

“Don’t worry.” Christopher looked at Jael. “There are other ways we can get them back. And we’ll make sure that those who’ve kept her from you have to pay for the emotional abuse you’ve suffered.”

“Emotional abuse,” Jael spat and took a step forward, but Danny stopped her.

“Let them go.”

They watched as Christopher and Martin drove away. Then, Danny turned to her. “Why didn’t you call the police?”

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