Chapter 13
Preston’s defense became narrower as the evidence accumulated.
He continued denying that he intended serious physical harm during the first fall.
He argued the voice message showed a plan to delay Audrey, not injure her severely.
That distinction mattered legally.
Emotionally, Audrey no longer cared.
She had heard enough.
The investigation into the winter-garden attack had witnesses.
Gary’s statement.
Audrey’s injuries.
Brenda’s admissions.
The earlier fall involved older and less complete evidence.
The legal process would decide what could be proven.
Rocco stopped trying to predict the outcome.
His own conduct was also reviewed.
He had struck Preston during an attack.
He had slapped Brenda after pulling Gary away.
His attorneys explained where self-defense arguments were stronger and where they were weaker.
Rocco cooperated.
Audrey asked him one evening:
“Does that bother you?”
“What?”
“That they might punish you too.”
“Yes.”
She smiled faintly.
“At least you're honest.”
Rocco looked at her.
“I don't regret stopping them.”
“That isn't the same as saying every part of what you did was necessary.”
He knew.
The older Rocco would have treated that distinction as weakness.
Now he recognized it as accuracy.
Gary cooperated fully with investigators and the civil financial review.
His relationship with Audrey remained uncertain.
He asked once whether he could visit after the baby was born.
Audrey answered:
“I don't know.”
May you like
Gary accepted it.
That was the first useful thing he had done without trying to change her mind.
