“Not everything was a lie,” she started, “Mama really was at the grocery store & he did stop by and force his way in. We started struggling. But Garrett didn’t show up when I said he did. Lance had already dragged me upstairs and,” Anna paused, trying to control the tears that were just waiting to come out, “you know what happened after that.”

Jack’s face was twisted with anger and love which was a strange combination for a facial expression. Jack closed his eyes, exhaled loudly, and placed his hand on Anna’s across the table.

“What happened after that?” he said quietly.
Anna closed her eyes for a moment before continuing, “Lance was already done with me, so we were going down the stairs still struggling with one another when Garrett walked in. Everything from then on is pretty much what I said about the trial and everything.” Anna dared herself to look at Jack and regretted it the second she did it.
Jack’s face couldn’t be more furious. Anna scooted her chair next to his.
“Jack,” she whispered.