Stolen Honor Chapter 09
The department took my circumstances into account. Combined with my outstanding service, they chose not to pursue disciplinary action over my staged death.
Captain Barrett personally pinned the medal to my chest and smiled.
“Graham Rodriguez, report back to Major Crimes tomorrow.”
I froze.
The sting behind my eyes spread through my entire body, and I couldn’t stop myself from trembling. I’d waited three long years for this moment.
I snapped to attention and gave him a crisp salute, my eyes brimming with tears. “Detective Graham Rodriguez, reporting for duty.”
That evening, my coworkers threw a celebration in my honor. Some praised my courage. Some mourned everything I’d endured over the past three years. Others apologized for the ridicule and suspicion they’d directed at me.
Their kindness warmed me, but their apologies had come too late. I had no intention of forgiving them.
Just as before, I’d keep doing what I believed was right, no matter the cost.
News that I was still alive quickly reached Denise and my parents. The moment they heard, they rushed over with Lily.
The instant she saw me, Lily threw herself into my arms and burst into tears.
“Daddy! I thought I’d never see you again! I knew you wouldn’t leave me! I’ll listen to you from now on. I’ll study hard, and I won’t eat candy anymore.”
My mom wiped away her tears with trembling hands. Forcing a hopeful smile, she looked at me cautiously.” Graham, are you hungry? I’ll make your favorite enchiladas.”
Denise stood beside her with a suitcase, guilt written all over her face. “Graham, Lily and I are moving back home tonight.”
I let out a cold laugh and blocked the doorway. “I’m tired. I’m not entertaining guests. You should all leave.”
Faith’s eyes instantly filled with tears. “What are you talking about? Guests? I’m your mother. Denise is your wife. Lily is your daughter. We’re your family.”
I shook my head, as if I’d just heard the funniest joke in the world. “I don’t have a wife or a daughter. They died three years ago.
“As for my mother, the day I refused to hand my credit over to August, she disowned me. So I don’t have a mother anymore, either.
“We’re strangers now. Don’t come looking for me again.”
As I started to close the door, Denise’s eyes filled with tears. She jammed her hand into the doorframe, refusing to let it shut.
“Graham, can you really turn your back on me… and on Mason?”
The last three years flashed through my mind. I clenched my teeth so hard my jaw ached.
“Denise, who’s the one who walked away first? You cheated on me with my own brother.
“The two of you faked your deaths and took Lily with you so you wouldn’t have to live with the shame. You left me alone to face all of it.
“And to keep me from discovering the truth, you fed me fake leads, hired actors to pose as criminals, then stood back and watched me get beaten bloody, treating me like I was nothing but a fool.
“Denise, look me in the eye and tell me honestly. Do you really think you deserve my forgiveness?
