He Thought He Could Control My Sister—He Didn’t Know There Were Two of Us”

The moment Brandon was taken outside, the house felt different.

Like the walls themselves had been holding their breath.

Clare stood in the doorway watching the patrol car.

Her hands were shaking again.

Not from fear this time.

From release.

One of the officers approached her gently.

“Ma’am, we’ll need to take photographs of your injuries.”

She nodded.

“I understand.”