Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Officer Johnson follows us into the living room, and Abigail motions for her to sit in the armchair across from the couch.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” she asks, a gracious hostess. “We have tea or lemonade.”
The officer shakes her head and pulls out a notepad. “No, thank you. Please, take a seat.”
Abigail and I sit down on the couch, her hand still firmly in mine. I brush my thumb over her palm in a silent promise of support, and her stiff posture relaxes slightly.
“You want to make a report about your uncle, Jeffrey Zillman,” the officer begins, making a quick note. “Is that correct?”
“Yes,” Abigail confirms.
“Do you think there are any children at immediate risk of harm?”
Abigail falters. “I…I’m not sure. There are other children who live on the same property; there are houses for the groundskeepers and their families.”
Officer Johnson makes another note. “Where is the property you’re referring to?”
Abigail swallows hard, as though bracing herself to talk about the nightmarish place where she was raised.
“Elysium. It’s a plantation about an hour’s drive from here.”
“So, it’s within the state of South Carolina?”
“Yes. I think there are about half a dozen families living there. It’s isolated and completely closed to the public.” Her cheeks have gone pale. “I’m not sure how many children might be at risk.”
The officer makes another note. “There’s no statute of limitations for child sexual abuse in South Carolina, so if you’re able to provide enough evidence yourself, we’ll have cause to investigate. We can obtain a warrant and search the property. If we’re able to press charges, you’ll be included. Are you prepared for that?”
“I am,” my brave wife replies staunchly. “I’ll do everything in my power to get my uncle locked away.”
The officer fixes her with a level stare, but her voice is gentle. “The process will be very difficult for you. If this goes to trial, you’ll have to give evidence in court. Your credibility will be questioned. The evidence has to support your story, or there’s no chance of conviction. Even then, there’s a chance of a not-guilty verdict. You can always take civil action, but you need to prepare yourself for the potential outcomes.”
Abigail’s palm begins to sweat, but I keep my careful hold on her.
I’m barely maintaining my human mask. The prospect of Abigail going through all that pain just for her uncle to walk free is enough to make me see red. That motherfucker is going to pay for what he did to her.
I’ll make sure of it if the law fails her.
“I’m doing this,” Abigail asserts, delicate chin tipped back in the imperious posture that I admire so much. “I won’t let my uncle hurt anyone else.”
Officer Johnson nods. “To get a warrant to search his property, I’ll need details from you. When did the abuse take place?”
Abigail’s mouth opens, then closes. Her fingers have gone cold, and I rub them to imbue her with my warmth.
“I’m not sure,” she admits. “I don’t have clear memories.”
“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.”