“Out of sight, out of mind. It works both ways,” Camden comments sardonically.
I always thought Sheriff Jackson was annoying, and I knew he was ridiculously prejudiced. But I figured he was incompetent and ultimately harmless. Like a gnat that won’t go away. But knowing what I know now, I’ve never wanted to wring someone’s neck more.
“I’ll kill him,” Griffin promises.
“Hell yeah, we will,” Knox joins.
Camden waves his hands, denying their offer. “He’s not worth it.”
I slap my palms on the table in frustration. “How do we put a stop to it all? How are we going to shut down the hospital?”
“I have a way, but…” Camden trails off.
“But what?” Knox asks, prompting Camden to continue.
“They could help,” Kat encourages him.
Camden interlocks his fingers, resting his hands on the table. “My father has videos.”
Griffin flexes his fists, trying to keep it together. “Videos of what?”
“Dr. Whitlock would bring in...” Camden struggles to finish his sentence. “Women. He said it would make me like them and only them.”
I think I’m going to be sick.
“How old were these women?” I inquire as I will my stomach to keep its contents.
“I don’t know for sure, but they were older than me.”
“I know for a fact that’s not legal,” I remark. Texas doesn’t have a statute of limitations on statutory rape. “Wait, Dr. Whitlock took videos of you with those women? And sent them to your dad?” My voice gets louder and higher with outrage the more I talk.
Camden bites the inside of his cheek, so Kat speaks up for him, “Yes. And we’re pretty sure his father still has them.”
“What!” I jump from my chair and begin to pace. “So, not only is your dad aware of what Dr. Whitlock did to you, he also has the proof andkeptit.” Each step I take does absolutely nothing to slow the rapid increase of my heartbeat. Pausing my angry steps, I look to Griffin and Knox. “I want in on the ‘end the sheriff’ plan.”
Griffin smirks, and Knox gives me a swift nod.
I flip back to Camden. “Are you willing to give the videos to the police? That would mean multiple people have to watch them. If you’re not okay with that, we’ll find another way.”
Camden sits up straight. “I’ve thought about it a lot over the years. I’m okay with it. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Striding for Camden, I pull him up so he’s standing and wrap him in a big hug. He’s older than me and way taller, but I still pour every ounce of pride and admiration into the embrace. He’s being incredibly brave.
He wipes his eyes when my arms fall away from his torso. “There’s a problem, though. I’m pretty sure he keeps them in a locked drawer of his desk at the police station.”
“That’s definitely a problem,” Griffin agrees.
“We’ll figure it out. Between the five of us, we’ll come up with something,” I reply.
One at a time, Griffin and Knox hug Camden, whispering words into his ear that the rest of us can’t hear.
Camden’s nervous energy finally dissipates. I can understand his hesitance. We live in a town where acceptance isn’t common. I can only imagine the ridicule and persecution he’s had to endure his whole life here. It’s not right. If people focused on their similarities with others rather than their differences, this world would be a much happier place.
And I’ve had enough. I’ve had enough of the torment and the cruelty.
Resting my hands on my hips, I look each person here in the eye. “Let’s go get this son of a bitch.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
