Page 18 of Truck Hard

I force my lips into what I hope passes for a smile and push open the heavy wooden door to James Reynolds’s office. The familiar scent of leather and old books wraps around me like a security blanket. How many hours have I spent in this room over the past few months, picking apart the remains of my marriage?

James looks up from his desk, his salt-and-pepper hair combed and perfectly in place, reading glasses perched precariously on the end of his nose.

“Hannah.” He stands, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.”

I sink into the leather armchair, my fingers automatically finding the worn spots on the armrests where countless others have gripped before me. Other women, maybe, seeking escape from their own monsters.

“I have news.” James settles back into his chair, shuffling through the papers spread across his desk. “The court date has been set.”

My heart stutters in my chest. This is what I’ve been waiting for since I first walked into his office five months ago, my face still bruised from Charlie’s last attack. “When?”

“Three weeks from today.” He peers at me over his glasses, his expression grave. “I won’t lie to you, Hannah. It’s going to be difficult. Charlie’s lawyer is already making noise about challenging the custody arrangement.”

Ice spreads through my veins. “He can’t—” My voice cracks. I swallow hard and try again. “He can’t take Cam. He won’t.”

“No, he won’t.” James’s voice carries the weight of absolute certainty. “We have documented evidence of abuse. Police reports. Hospital records. The testimony from that night.” He doesn’t elaborate, but we both know what night he means. The night Charlie finally went too far. The night Cam had to watch his mother nearly die.

My hands clench in my lap, knuckles white against the fabric of my skirt. “What do I need to do?”

“Be prepared for them to try to paint you as unstable. They’ll likely bring up the fact that you’ve been homeschooling Cameron, try to suggest you’ve been isolating him.” He shuffles through more papers. “They might even try to use your current living situation against you.”

A bitter laugh escapes me. “You mean living in my childhood home because I have nowhere else to go?”

“Exactly.” He sighs, removing his glasses to rub at his eyes. “Which brings me to the other matter we need to discuss. The financial settlement.”

“I don’t want his money.” The words come out sharp, automatic. The thought of taking anything from Charlie makes my skin crawl.

“Hannah.” James leans forward, his expression serious. “Listen to me. You’ve been a stay-at-home mother for twelve years. I know you helped with his campaign management, but that wasn’t a paid position. That leaves you with no work history, no independent income. The house needs major repairs. Cameron needs clothes, school supplies—”

“I have a job now.” I interrupt, though we both know my part-time position at Frank’s barely covers groceries.

“At minimum wage.” He counters gently. “You deserve more than that. The law entitles you to more than that.” He shuffles through his papers again, pulling out a document covered in highlighted sections. “Charlie’s family has money. Old money.The kind of money that could set you and Cameron up comfortably for years.”

My stomach turns. “I don’t want to becomfortablewith his money. I want to befreeof him.”

“I understand.” James’s voice softens. “But think about Cameron. Think about his future. College funds, healthcare, opportunities you might not be able to provide on your own. You’re not just fighting for yourself anymore.”

The truth of his words hurt. How many times had I dreamed of escaping Charlie, only to stay because I couldn’t bear the thought of Cam growing up in poverty? How many bruises had I hidden, telling myself it was worth it to give my son a better life than I’d had?

But that was before. Before Charlie’s rage finally exploded beyond control. Before Cam had to become the man of the house at twelve years old, protecting his mother because no one else could.

“What...” I have to stop, clear my throat. “What kind of settlement are we talking about?”

James slides a paper across his desk. Numbers swim before my eyes—amounts that make my head spin. “This is just the opening offer. We’ll likely be able to negotiate for more.”

“This is—” I can’t even say it. The figure on the page represents more money than I’d ever be able to make each month on my own.

“What you’re owed.” James finishes firmly. “For thirteen years of marriage. For the abuse you endured. For the sacrifices you made.” He pauses, letting that sink in. “But Hannah, you need to understand something. You’re going to have to face him in court. It means looking him in the eye while we lay out every horrible thing he did to you. Are you prepared for that?”

Am I? The thought of seeing Charlie again sends tremors through my body. I can almost feel his hands on me, hear hisvoice in my ear—You’re nothing without me. No one will ever want you. You’re lucky I put up with you.

But then I think of Cam. My beautiful, brave boy who shouldn’t have had to grow up so fast. Who deserves every opportunity I can give him. Who needs to see his mother stand up and fight back.

“Yes.” The word comes out stronger than I expected. “Yes, I can face him.”

James nods, satisfaction flickering across his features. “Good. Because Charlie’s lawyer has already indicated they plan to fight this every step of the way. His family’s reputation is at stake. They won’t go down quietly.”

“Let them fight.” Something hard and cold settles in my chest. “I’m not afraid anymore.”

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