Page 53 of Absolution
“Tell me what you can. Why did you call to make a statement? Why now?”
“I forgot until a few days ago,” Abigail admits, cheeks coloring with something like shame.
The red flush sets my teeth on edge. She has nothing to be ashamed of.
“There was an altercation with her family two days ago.” This is her story to tell, but I’ll back her up. “Her uncle touched her,and she had a flashback. She’s been having nightmares about him.”
The officer’s brows knit. “Nightmares. So, these are just dreams?”
“No,” I growl. “Listen to my wife. She’s telling the truth.”
“I’m not calling her integrity into question,” the woman replies, placating. “But I need details: specific incidents and the dates when they occurred.”
“My mother confirmed it,” Abigail says, voice thin.
She’s forcing herself to continue, but I know her well enough to recognize the fear that darkens her eyes. She’s scared that the investigation will come to nothing, and she won’t be able to save the other children. She won’t get justice for herself.
“Mama said she knows my uncle is a sexual predator. She said he abused her too.”
Another note scribbled down. “And your mother is willing to give a statement? That would strengthen our request for a warrant.”
Abigail’s shoulders dip. “No, she won’t do that. But it’s true, I swear.”
Officer Johnson blows out a short sigh, and her lips twist with regret as she puts her notepad away. “I’m sorry, but that’s not enough evidence to move forward with an investigation. You can try civil action.”
“Sit down,” I snap when she shifts her weight to get to her feet. “My wife isn’t finished. She will have justice.”
The officer focuses on Abigail, whose features are drawn with devastation.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Graham, but there’s nothing more I can do. If you remember anything more clearly, please contact me.”
“You must care about protecting the children who live on that property,” Abigail says, desperation roughening her tone. “You have to help me.”
“It’s not about whether or not I care. This is about the law, and my realistic assessment is that this will go nowhere if you try to press charges.” Her voice deepens with compassion, but her firm countenance doesn’t waver. “You’ll put yourself through hell for nothing, and he will win.”
Abigail wilts beside me, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders.
“Get out,” I bark at the useless officer.
If she doesn’t leave right now, I won’t be able to restrain my cruelest impulses. The woman has hurt my wife with her callousness, and it’s all I can do to remain by her side instead of forcing the officer to give her the justice she deserves.
“I really am sorry,” Officer Johnson says.
Then she’s gone, and Abigail sags against me. She buries her face in her hands, pressing her palms to her eyes as though forcibly containing her tears.
“It’s all right.” I soothe her. “You can cry.”
“I’m sick of crying.” Her hands drop away, and her eyes shine with a vicious light, not tears. “I won’t let him get away with this.”
I won’t suggest my murderous plans again. Yet.
“I’ll call a lawyer today,” I promise. “We can start putting a civil case together.”
“But that won’t send him to jail.” She shakes her head. “It’s not good enough. They might seal the record. There could be a gag order. And you heard Officer Johnson. I don’t have enough concrete evidence to move forward.”
I rub her back. “We’re not giving up.”
Her eyes flash. “Take out your phone. I need you to record something for me.”
