“If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to have a word with my client before we start,” she says.
“It looks like you have some support,” Professor Harlow observes. “I’ll wait in the hall while you speak with your legal counsel.”
I thank her, and everyone else files out of the room, leaving me with Abella, Mariella, and Cecilia.
“Gabi, you remember Cecilia, right?” Mariella asks.
“Yes, hello,” I answer awkwardly.
“She’s here to represent you.”
“How did you even know this was happening?” I ask them.
Mariella and Abella exchange a look before Abella answers. “I’ll fill you in on that later.”
“Shall we begin?” Cecilia offers me a warm smile.
I nod in response, and she gets right to the point.
“First, it’s important you understand that you aren’t obligated to disclose any details to me, the police, or the administration unless you choose to. You don’t have to confirm whether you are a victim, and you don’t have to file a police report. I’m here to help you assert your rights.”
She gives me a subtle look, indicating she’s aware of the position I’m in. She’s a member of The Society, and she’s familiar with the unwritten rules we live by in theCosa Nostra. But she isn’t here for their benefit. This is how our sisterhoodworks, and Cecilia has already helped countless women in the Aegis network. I trust her completely.
“I would prefer not to say anything.”
She nods. “I understand you’re being harassed on campus as well. Do you feel comfortable here, or would you prefer to complete your studies remotely?”
“Can I actually do that?”
“Yes. Universities are legally obligated to protect students from foreseeable harm or hostile environments. There are also some avenues I can pursue, given our…connections.”
The heavy weight on my chest seems to dissolve as I process that information. I know it won’t be easy, considering I don’t have everything I need to complete my collection at the penthouse, but I would rather find a way to make it work than ever set foot on campus again.
“In that case, I would like to complete my studies remotely.”
“Okay. I’ll speak to the dean and get that process started. Your professor should be able to answer any questions you have about completing your program remotely. I’d advise you to go collect your things now so you don’t have to return.”
It almost seems too good to be true, and I’m not sure how or why this happened, but I’m grateful that it did.
Cecilia opens the door and steps aside as the rest of us filter out.
“Gentlemen, my client is invoking her right to remain silent,” she informs the detectives before turning her attention to the dean. “May I speak with you privately, Dean Markham?”
“Yes, of course.”
He gestures her back into the meeting room as I glance at my professor.
“Professor Harlow, I need to gather my things and ask you a few questions about completing my collection remotely.”
“Of course. Let’s walk, shall we?”
Abella, Mariella, and our guards join us for the walk back to the studio, and Professor Harlow gives me a brief rundown of how remote studies work. She explains that the infrastructure is already well established, and I can submit my pattern reviews digitally and participate in virtual critique sessions. The entire collection can be produced off-site, and Professor Harlow will be available for feedback, check-ins, and guidance.
Before we enter the studio, she pauses outside the door.
“I’ll miss having you in class, Gabi, but I think you’re really going to thrive in your own environment. I look forward to seeing your finished collection.”
“Thank you, Professor Harlow. I think I’ll do much better working with you one-on-one.”
