The Unseen Guardians
44 Stories from Behind-The-Scenes Professions
by
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When I finally told them what had been happening, my mom screamed! I told them everywhere he touched me, and what he made me do to him, and how much it hurt. I told them he said I would be taken away from my mom and dad if I told anyone. She asked me why I let this happen. It wasn’t her intention, but she made me feel like it was my fault. I was 7, I didn’t know I could say no to an older person.
They left me with a really nice nurse that held my hand, and they went out again. This time I couldn’t hear them talking. In a few minutes a policeman came in and asked me to tell the same story. It was awful to have to tell everything again.
We eventually went back home. When we got home my mom packed up some clothes, and we went to my grandmother’s house with my brother and sister. I felt like everyone in the world looked at me, and knew what had happened, and that I was a bad girl.
A few days past when I met three ladies that said they were going to help me. Miss Tina, Miss Carolyn, and Miss Julia. They explained that nothing that I happened was my fault, and that my uncle was going to go to jail. In order for him to go to jail, I had to testify in front of everyone about what had happened. Miss Tina took me to the courtroom to practice and make me feel comfortable in the building.
I was 9 years old when Miss Tina and Miss Carolyn came to my house. I pulled the curtains back a little from the front window when I heard the dogs barking outside. Fear began to fill my chest as I watched them carefully walk on the circular flat stones that formed a walkway to the front door. I could hardly move. Since the rape, I had tried to move on and hide my memories, pushing myself in school to be the best. It helped me forget…. “Why are they here?”
My mom answered the door, and I slowly hid myself between the curtain and the window behind the recliner. I was wondering if they could hear my heart beating, or my breathing.
“Hi, please come in. I wasn’t expecting you.” Mom said.
“We just want to share some news with you about your brother-in-law.” They sat down on the couch and my mom sat in the recliner.
“He has confessed to all that your daughter told us and plead guilty. So, your daughter will not have to testify. It is over. He is going to prison for a very long time.”
I stayed in my hiding place, until I saw their car pull away. It was still hard to move my body. I ran to my mom, and just grabbed her around her waist. Without a word, she pulled me into her lap, and we just rocked together in the recliner. No words, just tears.
I continued to do my best in school and went to counseling as well. As I grew into a teen-ager, I noticed that I was a little different than the other lighhearted and giddy girls, but it didn’t really bother me. I had a special friend, and that was enough for me.
I eventually graduated, went to college, and became a school counselor.
I am very in tune with the children I work with. It’s as though I can feel their thoughts in my heart.
Yes, I was a victim, but my mother, the policemen, and the DCS team helped me through what many cannot crawl their way out of. The darkness of no hope and shame, was left behind with the help of so many special people. After I read this author’s book, “The Last Ride of the Old Peacekeepers”, I felt led to contact him about telling my own story. Hoping that it would help people know there is life after tragedy with help from the people in the shadows of Peril.
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About the Book
Jan Pinner Matthews, married to a detective, sought to deepen her understanding of law enforcement and victim advocacy. Her curiosity inspired her husband, Bill Matthews, and co-author, to collect stories from friends across the nation, sharing some of what their jobs entail as they dedicate themselves to ensuring public safety. Hopefully this book will enspire others to see where they can plug in their talents and be part of the those in the shadows of peril.
The Unseen Guardians is a collection of tales ranging from district attorneys to judges, an Air Force One crew chief, U.S. marshals, police officers, ATF agents, detectives, and beyond. They offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives and challenges faced by those on the front lines.
The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, as well as a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting others. Within these pages lie stories that will both shock and inspire you, written by professionals from various fields, united by a common goal: helping victims find justice, healing, protection, and hope.
Through their firsthand accounts, you’ll witness the harrowing realities of crime scenes, the complexities of undercover operations, and the emotional toll of prosecuting and judging evil deeds.
About the Author
Bill Matthews earned a degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. He was the chief detective in Athens, Tennessee, a private investigator, a two-time Tennessee State Police Olympic wrestling champion, a Police Olympic Softball champion, bounty hunter, and bodyguard. He is also the author of the award winning book The Last Ride of the Old Peacekeepers.
Jan Pinner Matthews started out as “Little Pinner”. She knows what it’s like to live in the shadows, supporting, encouraging, and loving beyond explanation.
As a little girl, she was known as the Pinner boys’ little sister. Then she was the sister to “Miss Lee College,” and soon became Josh and Jodi’s mom, and Bill Matthews’ wife.. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were in high school, at which time, she moved into the automotive world with a successful career in Global Supply Chain management.