Guarded: Sequal to Broken

Twenty

"Evidence." Alice smiles, "Your dear mother would have a friend or someone send me envelopes every week or two. The first came just after you turned six I believe. It was a letter stating she was sending me some of Tom's things to keep safe for you later. Her new husband wasn't so keen on keeping his things in their storage. The next was the box we forwarded to you a few weeks ago, the one with this ring in it. We got your address from your grandmother after Calum called me panicked I knew it was time for everything."

"Everything?" I frown.

"Your mom sent me packages and letters regularly for about ten years. The first stated to just keep them, that I would know when I needed to open them, and if I was questioning if it was time to it wasn't. That was the only contact we had with either of you for years. She didn't even send them from herself, a friend of hers sent them for her. I debated opening them when she died, but I wasn't sure it was time so I didn't. When news broke about Chris being given a second chance I knew it was time. And what I found was horrific. Your mom knew she wasn't getting out of that marriage alive, and she knew she needed to protect you and Sam when she did die. She sent me photos of the abuse. I wish I'd opened them when they came, I wish I hadn't listened and could have done something sooner, but I didn't. I was only 25 when Tom died, and I was naïve. But we have photographic evidence of his beatings. Horrific photos of the three of you."

"I don't remember her ever taking photos of us." I frown.

"They aren't perfect photos, most of them I doubt any of you knew she was taking. She managed to get enough though. So long as we can convince the judge he inflicted the injuries he could be locked away on solid evidence of child abuse, and attempted murder." Claire explains.

"He is being given a second chance for his murder charge and his attempted murder charge." I frown, shaking my head.

"His attempt to murder Samuel. Not you." Howard smiles.

"Me?" My brow furrows in confusion for a moment before it clicks, "Me!" I gasp. 

"I asked you to give me a detailed explanation of the night you recieved the scar on your back, do you remember? Doctor Jones has given his recount of the surgery a couple years ago as well. Calum, Sam, Chloe, they have all given their accounts of the events they witnessed in relation to that injury. And your mother took photos of that injury as she cleaned it. We have a great deal of evidence for his abuse, and this particular injury that prove he tried to kill you. In fact, in his first letter to you he himself wrote that he wasn't sure how he didn't kill you that day." Howard smiles.

"Our ace." I chuckle softly.

"Hopefully." Andrea nods.

"So what now?"

"Now we go face him today. And don't let him smell our fear." David smiles.

"We might be able to win this?" I sigh, leaning back in my chair.

"We will win. He deserves to be in prison and we will put him back there." Alice nods.

"Thank you." I sigh, standing and pulling my aunts into a tight hug.

"We never wanted to lose you, Maddie Moo. I hope we can start new and rebuild our relationships." Claire comments, rubbing my back softly.

"I hope so too."

"Shall we head in, they are about to get started." Andrea smiles.

"Don't mention our discussion to your family, Madison, we will inform them of the agreed plan after today is finished and we are away from the courthouse." Howard adds, patting my shoulder as we leave the small room.