"He did, and it is about as far from yours as Mars is from Earth."
"What did he say?" Curiosity was alive and well in Terry's gut.
"Let's just say his recollection of events differ from yours, which is why Jack asked me to come represent you. If the ethics board decides in his favor, you could be facing criminal charges."
Terry gasped at the same time as Dan's hand tightened around his. "I could go to jail?"
"Sexual harassment is a serious charge, Terry."
He knew that, and that was what scared him so much. "What can I do?"
"At the moment, nothing. We have to let Mr. Clausen continue his investigation. In the meantime, I'm going to ask the sheriff to look into Keith's connection to Mr. Jacks. If we can prove there is one, we might be able to fight this on that front."
Terry's heart sank along with any hope he had that he'd get out of this mess. He had the strong suspicion that things were going to get a lot harder before they got better.
"Until we hear back from the ethics board, you should go about your business as usual. However, if you see Keith or Mr. Jacks, do not approach them. If they approach you, walk away. And god, whatever you do, do not talk to either of them."
"I wouldn't want to," Terry replied. "I'd probably wrap my fingers around their throats."
Elijah chuckled as he stood. "I didn't hear that."
Whatever.
Terry stood as well. "How long do you think it will take for the ethics board to make a decision?"
"Hopefully not more than a few days. Cade Creek isn't a big place. I doubt they have too much more on their plates right now. They'll also want to get this concluded and put to bed before it becomes a media frenzy."
Terry pressed his hand to his stomach when a wave of nausea swept through him. "The media could get a hold of this?"
"All proceedings are supposed to be confidential, but there's always a possibility that something will be leaked. That's why I suggest you stay home as much as possible."
"But you said to go about like normal," Terry said.
"Yes, you still need groceries and such, but no dinners out or partying down at the Rusty Nail. And it also wouldn't hurt to always have someone with you at all times. If you have a witness who can swear to where you've been and what you've been up to, it'll help."
"Help what?"
"If they try and say you've done something else."
Terry's eyes rounded. "They could do that?"
"Anything is possible, Terry, and I don't want to take any chances."
"Fuck." Terry sank back down onto the couch. "This is so messed up." He was damned if he did and damned if he didn't.
He had no idea what to do.
