Sometimes in real life. One victim isn't enough. They need more to have him put away longer, or for good. Remember he didn't really get a chance to hurt her. I don't want to give to much of this away, but the testimony you will soon read is what will turn the case against Mr.Phillips. That's all I'm willing to tell
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When they got home Mac carried his granddaughter up to her bed. As he layed her down, his cell phone rang.
"Taylor."
"Mac, I have some bad news for you."
"What is it Don?"
"Phillips has been released on bail."
"What!!! When??"
"Two hours ago. I'm sorry Mac we tried everything to hold him. But with this being his first charge, the judge didn't see him as a threat."
"This is bull shit Don. We can't let him get away with this. I swear to God I'll ki....."
"Don't say it Mac. I don't want to have to give testimony."
"Listen. I want you to take Danny and go visit those five girls on that list. I want you two to let the parents know what happened today, and that we really need them to come forward."
"We'll try Mac. I'll call you later."
Hanging up the phone, Mac knew he couldn't keep it from Eric. For Eric would find out when he came into work. Walking down the stairs, Mac seen them all sitting in the kitchen. Except for Sara who was still snuggled under her daddy's neck.
"What is it dad? I know that look."
"There's no easy way to tell you this Eric. Phillips was released on bail."
"WHAT!!! How? We just put him in there?"
"I know. He was screaming for a Lawyer. Unfortunetly with no criminal record or prior convictions the judge released him on bail."
"This is insane. Which damn judge released him?"
"Eric!!! That doesn't matter. I have Don and Danny working on the past victims, hopefully they can get one of them, if not all of them to come forward."
"And if they don't? Then what? No child is safe as long as he is running the streets."
Mackenzie could see the anger in her husbands eyes. She could see he was nearing he breaking point. Walking over she wrapped her arm around him and Sara.
Mac was worried. His daugher was the peacekeeper. But he wasn't sure if it would be enough to stop Eric from hunting Phillips down.
"Eric, I need you to promise me that you are not going to go after Phillips. You have daughters that need you. I want you to think about that everytime you get the urge to leave this house."
Eric said nothing. Mackenzie held tighter, as she could feel every muscle, every nerve that was her husband tense.
"Promise me Eric."
"Fine. I promise. But if no one comes forward, if not one of those victims talk. Then it becomes personal for me."
Mac knew he was serious. But Mac also knew he wouldn't hesitate to put him in lockdown if it came to that. Walking from the kitchen with his Peanut in his arms. He headed upstairs to see Shannon.
"Dad, I'm really worried. I've never seen Eric like this."
"I know sweetheart. Just give him time. If he becomes to restless, you call me right away. Promise me Mackenzie."
"I promise daddy. Can you, mom, and Michelle stay for dinner?"
Stella knew her daughter was worried. She could see the pain in her eyes.
"Sure sweetheart. We can stay if you like."
"Thanks mom. I really appreciate it."
Meanwhile...
Don and Danny were having no luck. Three of the five victims refussed to come forward.
"We're down to two Don. What the hell are we going to do?"
"I don't know Danno. Let's just hope we can get one of the two to talk."
Knocking on the door, a young girl answered.
"Hello."
"Hi. My name is Det.Flack. this is my partner CSI Messer. Can you tell me, are you Wendy?"
"I am. why?"
***Wendy who is that at the door?****
"It's the Police mom."
Hearing the footsteps a woman appeared at the door.
"Can I help you?"
"I hope so. We need to talk to your daughter about her assault she suffered at the hands of one of her teachers, Mr.Phillips."
Don and Danny seen all the blood drain from the young girls face.
"Umm...I don't think it's a good thing. I'm sorry."
"Please!!! We really need your help. Another young girl was assaulted by this teacher. She's only seven, willing to come forward and file charges."
"Then why would you need my daughter?"
"We need her to back up this recent victim. Else he is going to get off again. Which means he can do this to someone elses child. Is that what you, or your daughter want?"
"Look, Det.Flack. Don't play the sympathy card with me. How the hell did you find us anyways? We never brought our case forward."
"Doesn't matter. What matters is a seven year girl who faught for her life today to escape this Pedophile, who is now running the streets with a free pass to do it again."
"Mom....."
"What is it Wendy?"
"I want to help. Please mom. Let me finally help."
Looking at her daughter, she seen her tears.
"Fine Detective. Come in, we'll give you a statement."
Don breathed a sigh of relief. For now they knew they could build a solid case against Mr.Phillips.