Page 78 of Truck Hard

While he works, I hear the familiar sound of the school bus engine.Shit. Cam.

The bus stops at the corner and sure enough, Cam comes sprinting toward us as soon as the doors open. His backpack bounces against his shoulders, face pale with fear as he takes in the emergency vehicles and flashing lights.

“Mom!” His voice cracks with panic. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Hannah opens her arms and he crashes into them. “I’m fine, honey. Everything’s okay now.”

“Was ithim?” Cam demands, pulling back to examine her face. His expression darkens when he sees the bruise. “I’ll kill him.”

“Hey.” I grab his shoulder gently, turning him to face me. “None of that. Your mom’s right—everything’s handled. Charlie’s been arrested and he’s not getting out this time.”

Cam’s jaw clenches in a way that reminds me painfully of myself at his age. “You promise?”

“I’ll do everything within my power to make sure.” I squeeze his shoulder. “Why don’t you head inside while we finish up out here? Your mom will be right in.”

He hesitates, clearly reluctant to leave Hannah’s side. But after she gives him a reassuring nod, he trudges toward the house, shooting worried glances over his shoulder.

Ricky approaches once the paramedics finish with us, notebook in hand. “Need your statements while everything’s fresh. Hannah first, if you’re up for it?”

She describes how Charlie ambushed her in her driveway, threatened her, then attacked when she tried to call for help. Her voice stays steady but I can see her hands trembling. Without thinking, I reach over and lace my fingers through hers. She squeezes back hard.

Then it’s my turn. I explain how I got her text for help, rushed over with my brothers, and found Charlie assaulting her. I admit to attacking him but argue it was a necessary force to protectHannah. I explain how Charlie also attacked me and then pulled out a knife. Ricky takes detailed notes, his expression giving nothing away.

“Assault with a deadly weapon.” Ricky shakes his head with a slight uptick to his lips. “Between this and the previous violation of the restraining order, Charlie’s looking at serious jail time,” he says finally, closing his notebook. “His family’s influence only stretches so far. The DA’s office is getting tired of cleaning up his messes.”

Relief floods through me. “So he’s actually going away this time?”

“Should be. The evidence is pretty damning, especially with multiple witnesses.” Ricky jerks his chin toward where Warren and Mac are giving their statements to the other officer. “But you might want to lawyer up yourself, just in case. Charlie’s definitely going to try pressing charges for the beating you gave him. Though I doubt it will matter much considering the cut on your chest.”

I nod grimly. Worth it, if it means keeping Hannah safe.

“Thank you,” Hannah says softly. “For everything.”

Ricky tips his hat. “Just doing my job, ma’am. We’ll be in touch about formal charges.” He heads back to his cruiser, leaving us alone as the emergency vehicles begin to clear out.

I help Hannah to her feet, steadying her when she sways slightly. “Let’s get you inside. You need to rest.”

She leans against me as we walk to the house, and I try not to read too much into it. She’s just unsteady from the concussion, that’s all. But having her warm weight pressed against my side feels right in a way I can’t explain.

The front door opens before we reach it, Cam hovering anxiously in the doorway. His eyes dart between us, lingering on the bandage on my forehead and the bruise on Hannah’s face.The fear and anger in his expression makes him look older than twelve.

My son. This brave, protective boy who’s seen far too much violence in his young life—he’s mine. And I wasn’t there to shield him from any of it.

Hannah stumbles slightly on the front step and both Cam and I reach to steady her. Our eyes meet over her head and something passes between us—understanding, maybe. Or forgiveness.

We guide Hannah inside together, united in our need to protect her. To make sure nothing like this ever happens again.

But as I close the door behind us, Charlie’s words echo in my mind.You’re dead, Mutter.

I fear this isn’t over. Not by a long shot.

Chapter 18

Aftermath of Courage

Hannah

The sound of the front door clicking shut behind me makes me flinch. Even though I know it’s just Liam following me inside, old fears die hard. I spin around. My hands shake as I fumble with the chain, desperate to make sure the door is locked. Once. Twice. Three times. But I can’t get it to slip into place.

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