The illusion of Leo’s power, the terrifying aura he had held over me for a year, evaporated like mist. He wasn’t a monster. He was just a coward who only fought people weaker than him.
I felt a spark ignite in my chest. It wasn’t the roaring flame of Arthur’s military rage, but a cold, steady, blue flame of absolute resolve.
I unlocked my phone. I pressed the numbers. 9 – 1 – 1.
“911, what is your emergency?” the dispatcher answered.
I looked at Leo as I spoke, my voice loud, clear, and unwavering. “Hello. I need police and an ambulance at my address immediately. My husband just violently assaulted me. I am bleeding, and he is injured.”
“Understood, ma’am. Are you in a safe place?”
“Yes,” I said, glancing at my father. “I am perfectly safe now.”
Ten minutes later, the quiet, upscale cul-de-sac was illuminated by the strobing red and blue lights of three squad cars and an ambulance.