Chapter 3
“Now I'm watching my grandson learn that this is how a man behaves.”
Derek opened his mouth.
Robert raised one hand.
“I'm not finished.”
The words seemed to shock everyone.
Especially Diane.
Robert had spent thirty-six years smoothing over family arguments, apologizing for Derek's temper, and pretending his son's behavior was nothing more than a strong personality.
But something had finally broken.
“You are not welcome in my home until you understand what you've done.”
Derek stared at him.
Then he laughed bitterly.
“Your home?”
He looked toward Diane.
“Mom, tell him.”
Diane's expression changed.
“Robert, let's not make decisions while everyone's upset.”
Derek smiled.
“There it is. Mom knows who actually runs this family.”
I felt Ryan stiffen beside me.
Then Nicole spoke.
Very quietly.
“Actually, Derek, your father isn't the only one who's tired.”
Every head turned.
Nicole stood near the patio door, one arm wrapped protectively around Tommy.
Her voice trembled.
But she kept speaking.
“I've been tired for years.”
Derek's smile vanished.
“Nicole. Don't.”
She looked at him.
“No. You don't get to tell me that anymore.”
Then she reached into her purse.
And pulled out a folded envelope.
“I was going to give you this tomorrow,” she said. “But I think everyone needs to know why Tommy and I won't be coming home with you tonight.”
Derek went completely still.
“What is that?”
Nicole swallowed.
“It's a letter from my attorney.”
The backyard seemed to shrink around us.
Diane stood so quickly her chair scraped against the deck.
“Nicole, sweetheart, surely we can discuss this privately.”
Nicole shook her head.
“That's what I've been doing for seven years.”
She looked at me.
And her eyes filled with tears.
“Claire, I didn't know you were a fighter.”
I gave her a small smile.
“Not anymore.”
She glanced toward Derek.
“Maybe you could teach me how to stop being afraid.”
I felt something tighten in my chest.
Because in that moment, I understood that the most important fight of my life had never taken place inside a cage.
It was happening right here.
And it wasn't about defeating Derek.
It was about helping someone else find the courage to stand.
But before I could answer, Derek snatched his phone from the table.
He stared at the screen.
Then his expression changed from anger to alarm.
“Nicole,” he whispered, “what did you do?”
She looked him directly in the eyes.