Chapter 9 - Graham Had to Explain the Kick and the Chain
Graham protected Maisie.
He also lost control.
Those two truths remained separate.
Sloane had harmed Maisie.
Then Graham kicked Sloane hard enough to send her through a lightweight banquet table.
Later he used the same chain at her neck level to threaten her.
He did not choke her.
Did not injure her neck.
Did not attack again.
But he had already rescued Maisie by then.
The danger was over.
During the police interview, Graham did not call every action self-defense.
“The kick happened when I saw what she had done to my daughter.”
“So you were angry?”
“Yes.”
“The chain?”
“I wanted her afraid.”
He hated hearing himself admit it.
But that was true.
Later, Maisie asked:
“Were you going to hurt Sloane with the chain?”
Graham sat beside her.
“No.”
“But you wanted her to think you would?”
He paused.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I was furious.”
Maisie looked down.
“Was that okay?”
“No.”
“But she hurt me first.”
“Yes.”
“Then why wasn’t it okay?”
Graham took a breath.
“Because once you were safe, my job was to keep you safe. Not scare someone because I was angry.”
Maisie thought about that.
Then asked:
“Can I still be glad you came?”
That broke him.
He pulled her close.
“Yes.”
“Very glad?”
May you like
“As glad as you want.”
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