Chapter 4 - The Arrest on Hospital Grounds
"Lieutenant Commander Caleb Vance, you are under arrest pursuant to Article 128 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for aggravated assault, domestic abuse, and attempted murder," Agent Miller announced loudly.
The two Military Police officers stepped forward instantly. One pulled Caleb’s arms behind his back, clicking heavy steel handcuffs over his white uniform cuffs.
"Get your hands off me!" Caleb snarled, thrashing against their grip as his refined military composure dissolved into ugly, pathetic rage. "I am an officer in the United States Navy! You can't treat me like a common criminal!"
"You stripped yourself of that honor the moment you laid hands on a bedridden woman, Vance," Agent Miller said with absolute disgust.
Caleb turned his head violently toward the bed, his face twisted into a grotesque mask of fury as he glared at Rebecca. "You set me up, you ungrateful bitch! I gave you everything! My career! My name! You're nothing without me! You hear me?! Nothing!"
Rebecca didn't flinch. She didn't cry. She sat erect in her hospital bed, her dark eyes filled with a quiet, impenetrable strength as she looked directly into the eyes of the man who had terrified her for years.
"I am alive, Caleb," Rebecca said, her voice clear, steady, and unshakeable. "And you are finished."
The MPs forced Caleb out the door, his furious shouts echoing down the sterile hospital corridor until the heavy doors clicked shut, leaving the room in a profound, peaceful silence.
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Agent Miller turned to Rebecca, his expression softening as he walked up to her bedside. "Mrs. Vance, you are completely safe now. A permanent military protective order has been issued, and naval security guards will remain outside your door twenty-four hours a day."
Rebecca closed her eyes, letting out a long, shuddering breath as tears of pure relief finally spilled down her bruised cheeks.
