Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse Read Mosaic Heart – Part 8 Taylor’s watch glowed 1:00 a.m. in neon orange. He stood on the other side of the shared wall, listening to Carlos Carnelli threaten Laurel. His sniper revolver was in his right hand. “Scream once and I’ll plunge this knife through your throat and watch you ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse Read Mosaic Heart – Part 7 The team worked on contingencies for the rest of the day, ensuring every scenario had detailed counter–measures to neutralize any threat. The whiteboard resembled an intricate spider’s web. Laurel listened until she memorized her role. As the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky and ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse Read Mosaic Heart – Part 6 As Laurel’s head struck the pavement, the impact muted the sounds around her. Pinned under Taylor’s body, she had no way of knowing if he was okay. She tried to push against him, but she couldn’t move her arms. Voices muffled around her as though ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse Read Mosaic Heart – Part 5 Laurel was waiting on the front porch at 7:25 a.m. when Taylor arrived to walk with her to work. His security uniform fit him like a glove and enhanced his green eyes. Stop that! She chided herself as he climbed the steps. “Good morning, Taylor.” ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse Read Mosaic Heart – Part 4 Laurel stared at the card. She couldn’t move or speak. Fear held her paralyzed again. She felt a presence behind her and a hand on her shoulder. “Give me the card,” Mrs. Hanley coaxed in a calm, soft voice. “That’s it, now breathe for me. ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence Read Mosaic Heart – Part 3 Laurel was alone in the house on Thursday morning. Mrs. Hanley had banking to do, and the others were already out and about. The doorbell rang as she turned the dishwasher on. Laurel dried her hands and opened the front door. A very tall man ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse Read: Mosaic Heart – Part 1 Read: Mosaic Heart – Part 2 “Constable Perkins, I know you’ll do everything you can to keep me safe. With all due respect, you have no idea what my ex-husband is capable of.” “Laurel, I and my staff had a two–hour meeting with the Prison ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence Read Mosaic Heart – Part 1.   Once Laurel had taken firm control of her emotions, she went downstairs to find Mrs. Hanley. “What about the movie, Laurel?” Maggie yelled from the living room. “I’ll take a rain cheque. Have you seen Mrs. Hanley?” “She’s in her office.”  Laurel turned and ...

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence   The alarm sounded, dragging Laurel out of yet another nightmare. She forced herself to take slow, deep breaths as she turned the alarm off and turned the bedside lamp on. It was a small room, holding a single bed, a bedside table, a dresser with a mirror, and a desk. ...