Chapter 5 - Whispers in the Precinct
By noon the following day, news of the arrest had leaked to the press. Headlines screaming Police Officer Arrests Socialite Mother for Brutal Assault on Expectant Wife dominated regional news networks.
Tyler returned to the precinct to turn in his service weapon and badge temporarily, per standard administrative protocol whenever an officer is tied to a primary felony investigation. Walking through the bullpen, the silence was deafening. Some younger officers averted their eyes, unsure how to interact with a peer whose family had imploded so violently.
Officer Marcus Rivera, Tyler’s longtime academy partner, stepped up and gripped his shoulder firmly.
"Don't read the comment sections, brother," Marcus said softly. "The boys on night shift pulled Eleanor’s security footage from the perimeter cameras before her lawyers could wipe the cloud backup. She tracked Maya into that hallway. It’s all on high-definition video."
"Does it show the assault?" Tyler asked, his throat dry.
"It shows Maya trying to walk away, holding an envelope. It shows Eleanor grabbing her hair, dragging her back, and when Maya fell, Eleanor delivered two direct kicks to her stomach while screaming at her. It's open and shut, Tyler. The DA just signed off on no bail."
A heavy breath left Tyler's lungs. Yet there was no triumph in the revelation—only a deep, aching sadness. The woman who had read him bedtime stories and taught him to tie his necktie had degenerated into a stranger driven mad by entitlement.
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"How is Maya holding up?" Marcus asked gently.
"She’s fighting," Tyler replied, looking toward the exit. "Every hour the baby stays inside is a small miracle. I have to get back to them."
