Out Of The Shadows

By Theresa Sederholt

This is a journey into one man's hell, with the hope that it will help others find the strength to be able to say, "I need help."

 

Dane Johnson was like every other man in his thirties except for one very big secret. One that, for him, was so horrific, he was determined to keep it hidden. He thought it would never see the light of day—that is until today. His fragile world has crumbled around him. The past exposed for the world to see. Now the boy he tried so hard to keep safe might be gone forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Theresa Sederholt
• Release date: Feb 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393684534

Theresa Sederholt

If you love Nutella…we’re already friends. I’m Theresa Sederholt, and I like writing. More than that, I love to tell stories. I write in multiple genres, but my heart, my passion, lies in writing stories that connect to those that have withstood dramatic personal experiences. I want to bring awareness and understanding by dealing with subject matter that is intimidating to navigate. On the flip side, I also like to whip up a steamy romance filled with suspense and sprinkled with mystery. Keeping you guessing with a twist here and there makes me happy. When I’m not writing, I’m cooking with my amazing husband, spoiling my dogs, or enjoying the rolling hills of North Carolina that are my backyard. If you would like to contact me, you can find me on any of the following social media platforms or feel free to email me at: [e-mail] Website: http://bit.ly/2JOBg9TAuthorWebsite Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/2LO66knAmazonAuthorPage Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sWKHO1Twitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/2JYrSn4Instagram Facebook: http://bit.ly/2JD0GGeTheresaSederholtFacebookAuthorPage

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Out of The Shadows

Copyright © 2019 by Theresa Sederholt

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in the book review.

The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentions in this work of fiction: iPad, Child Protective Services, McDonalds, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Madden NFL, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, Nissan Versa, Farina, Shake Shack.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book contains strong language, and violence. It is not intended for anyone under the age of 18. Warning: this book may contain triggers for victims of domestic violence.

Publisher: Theresa Sederholt

Author: Theresa Sederholt

Cover designer and formatter: Stacey Blake, Champagne Book Design

Editor: Jacquelyn Ayres

Photographer: Dante Dellamore

Model: Robert Kelly

Title Page

Copyright

Special Thanks

Epigraph

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Books

About the Author

Special thank you to, Master Technician Scott Detwiler. Your knowledge and help was invaluable.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. —Nelson Mandela

Brady

Dad, please stop crying. I tried so hard to stop her . . . to protect you, Dad, to protect us. I didn’t want to hurt her, but it was the only way I could save you—save us. I had to stop her. I’m so sorry, Daddy. Hello? Why won’t you answer me? Are you mad at me? I look around, and everyone in the room is going about their business. Why is everyone acting like I’m not here? Hello, can you hear me? Can anyone hear me? I don’t understand; why can’t anyone hear me? I try to yell really loud so everyone can hear, but nothing comes out. I have no voice left. I’m sitting in the chair across from my dad, but he doesn’t look up at me. He’s is crying uncontrollably. I’ve never seen my dad cry before. He wipes his eyes as he talks to the person in the bed. It must be my mom, but how could that be? I stabbed her while she was beating Daddy. She has to be dead. People usually die when they get stabbed. When I lean in to get a closer look, I gasp. It’s me! How could that be me? How could I be in two places at the same time? For the first time in my life, I’m really scared. Daddy, please look up at me. I’m here and I’m okay. She didn’t hurt me like she said she would. Nothing. Why am I’m being kept silent, left on the sidelines, watching and listening?

The door opens and a woman comes in. She goes to the bed and touches me. I watch as my body jerks. Not all women are bad like my mom, yet I can’t help being afraid of her touch. Daddy jumps up and squeezes my hand.

He moved. That’s a good sign, right?

It’s normal for someone under heavy sedation to have spontaneous movements. We will try to keep him heavily sedated so we can give the swelling around his brain a chance to subside. I assure you, Mr. Johnson, we are doing everything possible to help your son. Now that we have him settled in, why don’t you let one of the doctors tend to your injuries? She sounds nice and she wants to help us. He doesn’t answer her, only shaking his head no. That’s when I notice the blood on the side of his head. I thought I stopped her, but she still hurt him. The police are outside the room and want to speak with you.

I’m not leaving my son’s side. If they want to talk, let them in. As far as my injuries are concerned, I’ve survived a lot worse.

She steps away from the bed. As you wish, but if you get lightheaded or your headache becomes worse, please let one of us help you. She opens the door to leave and two men in suits come in. I’ve watched enough television shows to know they must be the cops that the lady was talking about.

Mr. Johnson, I know this is not a good time, but we need to ask you some questions while the events are still fresh in your mind.

My son is in a coma, and my wife put him here. What else do you need to know?

We need to know the events leading up to this. What would make her do this to the boy?

Is she dead?

His voice is low and it’s hard for me to hear. I lean in closer; I don’t want to miss anything. She’s in surgery now. Why don’t you tell me what happened.

I came home from work and she was beating Brady. I grabbed the first thing I could, which was a knife and stabbed her. I called 911, but they were taking too long. I put Brady in my car and raced here to the emergency room. He’s an innocent boy, caught in the middle of my nightmare.

Dad, Dad, please stop lying. I did it—not you. When I came in and yelled for her to stop, she wouldn’t. It’s only after I stabbed her that she turned the bat on me. Tell them the truth Dad; she was beating you again. She said she would kill me in front of you, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed the knife and stuck it in her, not you. I’m trying to yell but nothing is coming out.

With all due respect, sir, your story doesn’t fit what we found at the scene. Now, do you want to change your story and tell us what really happened?

Lawyer, I want my lawyer. Until that time, I have nothing to say to you. Now, leave my son and me alone. We’ve been through enough.

The officer places a card on the bed next to Dad and they leave. Why is he covering for me? Why?

Dane

Life changes. Sometimes for the good. But for me, it was the worse. How has my life spun so far out of control? I close my eyes and try to make sense of it all.

I met Julie my senior year of high school. To say I fell hard and fast is an understatement. She was on the varsity softball team. I was captain of the wrestling team. A match made in heaven, or so I thought. What I realized afterwards—it was hormones that were unleashed that day, not a match made in heaven.

After graduation, I made the decision to join the Navy. My lifelong dream was to be a SEAL. I knew I couldn’t let anyone or anything get in the way of that. When I broke the news to Julie, she freaked out. That right there should have been a sign, you know . . . a red flag. However, I was a cocky kid and, bless her heart, she did everything she could to try and talk me out of it. I rub my temples, remembering that day like it was yesterday.

Dane, you can’t leave me and your parents. There’s so much here for you, for us. Why would you throw it all away?

This has always been my dream, Julie, you knew that. We can still be together. Go to college but wait for me. I promise, I’ll come back.

I can’t guarantee I’m going to be here when you get back. I can’t put my life on hold for empty promises.

That should have been another sign, but again, I was too green, young, and stupid. She was my first girlfriend. So, I did the only thing I could think of; I asked her to marry me. With one condition, we do it after I finish basic training. She agreed, or at least I thought she did. You see, at that age, I took everything at face value. Now, of course, I know better. Fast forward to two days before I was supposed to leave for basic training and that’s when she dropped the bombshell on me.

Dane, I’m pregnant.

What do you mean, pregnant? You said you were on the pill!

It’s not 100 percent, nothing ever is. I want to get married before you leave. When I look back on this now, all the pieces to the puzzle were so clear to everyone but me. She played me like a fool. My parents saw through her games and they tried to talk me out of it. I ignored their warnings. After all, I was eighteen and I thought I had all the answers.

Why do we have to rush? Let me get through my training. You can plan everything and when I get back, we can get married.

Oh, no. What if something happens to you? I’ll be stuck with this baby and all the expenses on my own. At least, if we get married right now, the baby and I will be covered.

Stuck? Another set of alarm bells should have been going off, but again, I was young and in love, or at least I thought so.

Are you expecting me to die or something?

Of course not. I love you and I want to make sure that our baby is protected. That’s what a good mother does, Dane. Besides, your pay will be more if you are married. We can save that for the baby.

What about you going away to college?

I’ll go to the local community college. Don’t worry; it will all work out.

She had an answer for everything, and, at the time, it all made sense. My parents didn’t believe she was really pregnant; they urged me again to wait. Reluctantly, I went along with Julie. We