Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“Your father and I received a call from the state prosecutor’s office this morning, and I jumped on the first flight here,” she says. “He wanted us to know that he’s determined to get justice for you and I promise we’ll be holding your hand every step of the way until this sicko teacher is behind bars.”
The dots slowly connect and my knees weaken. While she babbles, I fall back onto the sofa and grab my phone.
I call Liam but he doesn’t answer.
I call again and again and again, and the third time it goes straight to voicemail.
9
LIAM
Esteemed Professor Charged with Statutory Rape
Prosecutor Brett Shaw Files Felony Charges Against Harvard Professor
Professor Had Sexual Relationship with Student, 17
10
LIAM
“Ineed a lawyer,” I say to my grandfather as he steps into my living room.
“No, you need an entire damn firm for this shit.”
“Please leave the hyperbole for the writers.”
“Now is not the time for jokes.” He rolls his eyes before pulling a business card from his wallet. “We need to call these people. Now.”
I take the card from him, confused.
There’s no number on it. It only says, ‘Welcome to the firm.”
That’s it.
“They’re the best lawyers in the country and we used to keep them on retainer at Exeter,” he says. “Last I checked, that’s still the case. I think the school being on your side will speak volumes.”
“What will that do for your legacy?”
“Who cares at this point?” He shrugs. “I’ve already cashed my pension.”
“You’re supposed to say something a bit more loving and poetic.”
“I’m leaving that to the writer.” He smiles, but it doesn't stay. “You really loved Miss Edwards didn’t you?”
“I still do.” I swallow. “I always will.”
Later that night
“I know you’re in there, Mr. Donovan!” Someone is yelling outside my door. “Open up!”
“No comment!” I say. “Go away.”
The guy keeps screaming.
Grabbing a bat, I walk over and peer through the peephole.
It’s my condo manager.
“I’m not here for a comment!” He holds up a bag of caramel peanuts. “I just want to talk!”
I open the door and pull him inside.
“You’ve got two minutes,” I say. “Say what you have to say.”
“I just want to know how you’re holding up these days.”
“Not very well.”
“Don’t sweat it.” He pats my shoulder. “I brought you a few things to help distract your mind for a bit.”
He sets down the nuts and pulls a flask from his pocket. Then he sets a few rolled joints on my counter.
“This is my favorite strain, so smoke it properly.” He winks. “Is there anything I can do for you during this uh, trying time?”
I raise an eyebrow.
“I know you’re doing your best to dodge the reporters, so I can bring you your mail, handle some light grocery shopping, you name it.”
“Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?”
“I’m always nice to you, Mr. Donovan.” He smiles. “You’re a good guy and an even greater tenant.”
“Cut the shit. Now.”
“Okay, okay.” He shakes the peanuts. “Your scandal has been phenomenal for my coffee cart downstairs. I’ve sold out of everything every day and have preorders for next week.”
“How exciting.”
“I know!” He pulls a key from his pocket and tosses it to me. “1038 Threshold Avenue. Unit 14C. You can stay there until all this shit clears up, and I’ll continue selling out in the lobby.”
“Are the other residents complaining about me being here or something?”
“Not to my knowledge.” He looks genuine. “Everyone in this city knows that Brett Foster is an asshole. Between you and me, I think he’s just using this case to make a name for himself so he can get to the next level.”
“I don’t think it’s that simple…”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” He looks at his watch. “You taking me up on my offer to switch or not?”
11
GENEVIEVE
Ifeel like a teenager all over again.
A grounded, miserable as hell teenager.
My parents are watching me like hawks, and I don’t trust them enough to leave them in my apartment alone.
After catching my mother snooping through my office drawers, I locked my bedroom door each time I took a shower and ventured to another part of the condo.
They even came along with me to grab coffee and lunch, as if Liam was planning to snatch me away in broad daylight.
Why can’t they just get a hotel room?
Our family attorney arrived to my place hours ago, and now she’s leading some lady in a green suit toward me.
“Genevieve Edwards, I’m Shawna Bradley.” Green Suit Lady looks as if she’s waiting for me to shake her hand. “I’m with Brett’s office.”
“What do you want?”
“Well, you’re subpoenaed to testify in an evidential hearing, so I want to go over some of the questions so you’re all prepared just in case this goes to trial.”
“What do you mean, just in case?”
“Your abuser may cut a plea deal to save you the hour of having to relive things.”