The officer stepped forward slightly, her expression firm. “Mr. Hale, creating the appearance of a break-in is extremely serious. Many victims respond exactly like your wife did—with panic, flight, dissociation. You’re fortunate this didn’t end with injury.”
Evan felt heat crawl up his neck—shame, not defensiveness. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t understand it would affect her like that.” Lara wiped her cheek. “I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. But when I sat at Mira’s house trying to breathe, I realized something…”