Chapter 6
The transition from the chaos of my parents’ backyard to the sterile, quiet environment of the State Medical Center felt like waking up from a multi-decade nightmare.
Inside the private examination room, a pediatric burn specialist gently cleaned Ava’s hand, applying a medicated dressing that immediately cooled the angry, blistered skin. Ava sat in my lap, clutching a stuffed bear one of the kind nurses had given her, watching the doctor with wide, curious eyes instead of tears.
“She’s going to be just fine,” the doctor smiled warmly, pressing a gentle hand on Ava’s shoulder. “The burn is a second-degree, but it was treated with cool water quickly enough to prevent deeper tissue damage. It will heal completely, though she might have a small faded scar to remind her of how brave she was today.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” I whispered, kissing the top of my daughter’s head.
Just then, the door opened softly, and Director Sarah Vance stepped into the room, accompanied by a female state investigator holding a digital tablet.
“Claire, how is she holding up?” Director Vance asked, her voice carrying a genuine warmth that contrasted sharply with her initial boardroom demeanor.
“She’s doing much better, thank you,” I replied, shifting Ava slightly so she was comfortable. “What’s happening out there? My phone has been buzzing nonstop with messages from my brothers and aunts.”
Director Vance offered a slight, knowing smile. “I’m sure it has. Word travels fast in small towns when the patriarch gets hauled away in handcuffs by the state police. As of right now, your father, Grant Holloway, is being held without bail at the county detention center. Because of the clear video evidence, the District Attorney’s office bypassed the usual magistrate delay and filed direct felony charges: aggravated child abuse, criminal battery, and use of a deadly weapon.”
A shiver of vindication ran down my spine. For my entire life, my father had operated like a local king, believing his money, his local friendships, and his intimidating bluster made him bulletproof. Now, reality had caught up with him in the harshest possible way.
“What about my mother and Thomas?” I asked.
“They are currently being interviewed by investigators regarding their complicity and failure to report child endangerment,” Director Vance explained. “Furthermore, child protective services are opening a full inquiry into the household environment, especially concerning your nephew Mason and the other children in that extended family.”
The investigator with the tablet stepped forward. “Mrs. Holloway, we need to take your official victim-impact statement on behalf of Ava. Whenever you’re ready, we can record it right here in the room, or we can wait until you’re discharged.”
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I looked down at Ava, who was playing quietly with her stuffed bear, and then looked back at the investigator with absolute resolve.
“Let’s do it now,” I said. “I want every single word on the record.”
