Chapter 7 - The Man Everyone Thought They Knew
News of Edric’s arrest spread quickly.
At first, many people refused to believe it.
He had organized fundraisers. He had sponsored youth sports. He had spoken publicly about discipline, family values, and community responsibility.
Several acquaintances described him as “strict but caring.”
Then the recordings became part of the court record.
The version of Edric that existed behind closed doors could no longer hide behind the public one.
His attorney argued that the recordings lacked context.
The prosecutor responded that no context justified threats against children.
At the preliminary hearing, Edric entered the courtroom wearing a dark suit and the calm expression he used at charity events.
Faye and Chloe watched through a secure video connection from Rebecca’s home. They were not required to appear in person.
Edric looked toward the camera.
The judge immediately warned him not to attempt contact.
The prosecutor presented the hospital findings, Chloe’s phone recording, the neighbor’s footage, and the files recovered from the home office.
She also revealed that Edric had called Marissa from jail using another inmate’s account.
The call had been recorded.
“Fix your statement,” Edric said during the call. “You know what happens if I lose everything.”
Marissa replied, “You already lost control.”
The courtroom remained silent after the recording ended.
The judge denied bail.
Faye released a breath she had been holding since the hearing began.
Chloe closed the laptop.
“He still looked like he thought he could win.”
Rebecca sat across from them.
“People who control others often confuse control with power. A courtroom follows evidence, not fear.”
The school district arranged private tutoring while the twins recovered. Their teachers sent messages, but Rebecca screened them first.
Some students posted rumors online.
Faye wanted to respond to every accusation. Chloe wanted to delete all social media forever.
Naomi helped them choose a third option.
They issued one statement through the prosecutor’s office.
“We are cooperating with an active investigation. We ask for privacy and respect for all young people who may be afraid to speak.”
They gave no details.
The statement spread farther than the rumors.
Messages arrived from people they had never met.
Some simply said, “I believe you.”
Others said, “Your courage helped me tell someone.”
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Faye printed several of those messages and placed them in a folder.
For the first time, evidence was being collected not to trap them, but to remind them that the truth could create doors as well as close them.
