Page 19 of Echoes of Danger
“Oh, yeah. You were pissed that some Pedo was put up for parole before his sentence was even half over.”
I pull back from Taylor’s arms and move back to Eli’s side.
“I received a letter years back that the person who raped me might get out ofprison much earlier than was planned,” I say, knowing that everyone was listening but not really caring. “He went to several parole hearings over the course of a few months but was ultimately denied because someone else had stepped up with a rape claim against him.”
“Unfortunately, the statute of limitations on rape andsexual battery is twenty-five years,” Taylor continues. “Her statement was enough for the parole board to deny the bastard’s release but not enough to add more time onto his sentence.”
“About six months after he was denied, I found myself searching his case online, and that’s when I saw this man’s face.” I smile at my unsung hero. “Since my case wasn’t sealed or restricted, the details were open to the public. I was able to read everything this man did in order to keep Mr. Honiker behind bars.”
“It wasn’t enough to keep him there for life, though,” Taylor frowns. “Come to think of it, he’ll probably be released soon.”
I smile sadly at my son as he squares his shoulders and raises his chin.
“He’s already been released,” Knox says quietly.
Taylor’s eyes widened, and he looked at me worriedly.
“We’ll have to get a restraining order for you,” Taylor says quickly. “I know people. We can get it rushed.”
“There’s no need,” I whisper.
Taylor looks back at his husband, who simply shrugs.
“I did her background check for Reynolds, but her story isn’t mine to share.”
I feel the pressure of every person as they wait to hear what I say next, but I have no intention of saying anything else about it.
“Three months ago, he broke into our home while I was in the shower and Ma was cooking,” I hear Eli say. “He attacked her. Almost killed her. But I killed him first.”
The room is quiet for several moments before someone speaks.
“Respect that, son,” someone says. This man bleeds authority. “Names Ghost. How old are you?”
“Fifteen,” he answers.
“Ever thought about being part of a motorcycle club?” he asks.
“Maybe,” Eli answers, moving a sleeping baby to his other shoulder. “But my first job is to protect my Ma. So, I’ll think about it more when I’ve made enough money to buy her a house with tight security.”
The man, Ghost, just nods but his eyes are filled with respect.
I can do nothing but shake my own head.
“It’s my job to protect you,” I remind my hard-headed son.
“You always have protected me, Ma,” he smiles. “But I’m bigger than you, now. Protecting you makes my heart happy. It gives me a purpose. Get over it, woman. I’m not going to stop no matter how many times you threaten to ground me.”
“Brat,” I laugh. “I’m so sorry everyone. I didn’t mean to ruin your party. I was just so surprised when I realized who this man was.”
“Nothing’s ruined,” a beautiful, clearly pregnant woman smiles. “I’m Maddy. This is my man, King. I promise he’s not nearly as scary as he looks.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” I say, looking at the scary man who answered the door when we arrived.”
“Wait, the police sent you a letter to let you know that your attacker was up for parole?” Maddy asks.
“And they just called me when he was released,” I shake my head. “The police department really suck at basic human decency. No offense.”
“None taken, sweetheart,” Taylor shrugs. “I quit for a reason.”