Chapter 2: The Recording
I didn’t let go of Abigail until the medical team finished documenting every bruise, every cut, every fingerprint.
Dr. Ramirez worked quietly and efficiently, photographing the injuries with a small digital camera while a nurse carefully collected the torn white dress in an evidence bag. Abigail kept her eyes closed the entire time, her hand gripping mine so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Nicholas tried to protest when the detective asked to speak with Abigail privately.
“She’s my wife,” he said, his voice rising. “I have a right to be in the room.”
The detective, a woman in her forties named Detective Morales, looked at him without expression.
“Actually, Mr. Harrington, you don’t. Not right now.”
Patricia stepped forward, her voice icy.
“Do you have any idea who my family is? My husband sits on the board of three major hospitals in this state. My son-in-law’s father is a sitting judge. You are making a very large mistake.”
Detective Morales didn’t even blink.
“Ma’am, right now I’m investigating an assault. The rest can be sorted out later.”
While they argued, I stepped into the hallway with the two military legal officers — Major Ellis and Captain Rivera. Both had worked with me before on base. Both knew me well enough not to waste time with pleasantries.
Major Ellis spoke first.
“We already have the recording from your phone, Colonel. It’s clear. Patricia Harrington, Nicholas Harrington, and Gregory Harrington all admitted on tape that they were present when Abigail was injured. They laughed about it.”
Captain Rivera added, “We’ve also spoken with two nurses who overheard Patricia telling a staff member to ‘keep this quiet’ and that ‘money would make the problem go away.’ They’re willing to give statements.”
I nodded once.
“What about Abigail’s safety?” I asked.
“We’ve already arranged for a military protective order,” Major Ellis said. “She’ll be transferred to the base hospital under military jurisdiction until we sort this out. Nicholas Harrington will not be allowed near her.”
I felt some of the tightness in my chest ease.
“Thank you.”
Major Ellis studied me for a moment.
“Colonel… are you sure you want to go through with this? The Harrington family has serious political connections. This could get ugly.”
May you like
I looked back through the glass window at my daughter lying in the hospital bed.
“They already made it ugly,” I said quietly. “Now they’re going to learn what happens when you hurt a soldier’s child.”
