Georgia goes on to explain that he had gotten one of the final-year students pregnant. When she had said she didn’t know if she wanted to keep it, he made her agree to have a termination and threatened to fail her. He refused to write a reference for her university application. No one knows where this girl is now; she moved out of the area, and she didn’t even finish her exams. He ruined her life. They had no proof of this, but it’s a well-known secret amongst the staff there.
Yes, Miss
The night had been emotional. So many stories of this man who had asserted power, of women who had been denied a chance to speak. So many stories told but remained unheard by those who could effect change. So many lost voices, crying out into an ignorant void about a man who abused his position of trust.
A couple of teachers had joined us by video call at the end of the gathering, all telling similar stories of a welcoming, friendly man who became increasingly overfamiliar, eventually leading to sexual harassment or sexual assault. His behaviour was backed up by a head teacher who didn't want to deal with the fallout. The story became so familiar by the third telling that his moves were predictable, and the feeling of nausea at being in this man's daily company was overwhelming.
As we drive home, I stare out of the car window. I think about all the women in Daniel’s past that they couldn’t find and how he had gone on to affect so many women.
Mine and James’ situation seems small in comparison, and we will get through it together. At that moment, my phone rings, and Rebecca’s number flashes across the screen. I answer the call, eager to give Rebecca an update on our evening.
“Hi, Rebecca. I’ll put you on speaker. I’m in the car with Jen.” As I place the phone in the holder, the sound of her talking fills the car.
Alexandra Ravensbrook
“Hi Isabelle.” She sounds tired, and I realise it’s getting late into the evening. “I just wanted to let you know they’ve organised an interview tomorrow afternoon for you with somebody from the safeguarding team. They want to talk to you about your history with James. Would you like Jen to be there as support?” Her voice is soft and kind, but it does nothing to quell the anxiety building inside me at the thought of this interview.
The offer of a friendly face there to support me whilst I bear my heart to a stranger is just what I need.
“Thanks, Rebecca, I appreciate the offer. Would you mind? Wouldn’t it be eating into her day?” I know Jen has a full day of teaching the next day.
“Iz, I’m here to support you and James. She can’t talk during the meeting, but she can be there for you as support. I’ll take Jen’s classes in the afternoon to free her up if you want her there.”
I look across at Jen, and Jen nods in agreement.
“That’s fine. I’m happy with that,” Jen replies.
“Thank you so much, Rebecca. You’ve been so
amazingly supportive. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Rebecca’s voice changes to a sombre tone. “Isabelle, I’ve only ever been through one of these before in a supportive context. They’re going to ask a lot of questions,
Yes, Miss
and it can get quite personal. James has his interview in the morning. He has declined to have another person there, and as the head teacher, I can’t be present. Maybe you can convince him to have someone there?”
My heart sinks at the thought of James going
through this alone. Why won’t he accept support? I don’t know if he has any other friends, anybody from his rugby team. I’ve never met any of them, so I shoot Vic a quick message, asking if she’s available the following morning. It would be a couple of hours driving for her to come up, so I have everything crossed that she’s available.
Jen drops me at James’ house. I need to be with him tonight after hearing the women’s stories; I need to hold him and feel safe. The way Daniel can turn on the charm— if James had not been there to warn me away from him, I could very well have ended up being on the list of women who suffered at his hands.
And that thought rocks me to my core.
Alexandra Ravensbrook
Chapter 39
James
Isabelle stayed with me last night. We both have our interviews today and need each other's company and comfort. Isabelle has been answering texts since last night but won't go into any details with me, apart from that they’ve talked to other women, and some are willing to come forward against Daniel.
I lie here, awake in bed, as the sun starts to shine through the curtains. I look across at Isabelle asleep, her dark hair fanning across the pillows, her curves wrapped in soft cotton, and I don’t care what the outcome is; I have everything I need.
A loud banging at the front door interrupts the quiet of the morning, and Isabelle shoots straight up in bed, the blanket falling free of her breasts. I look longingly at them, reaching over to touch her. Iz jumps out of bed, pulls on her dressing gown, and runs downstairs.
Yes, Miss
