He’s such a nice guy.
He’d never laugh with his friends as I walked past.
Why would he?
He’s such a nice guy.
He’d never say I wanted it.
Why would he?
He’s such a nice guy.
He would never call me a slut.
He would never have his friends do the same.
He would never threaten me to keep me quiet.
He would never make me want to die.
Why would he?
He’s such a nice guy.
26
Jonah laughs out loud as he closes the door, pushing me into the chair at the desk. He looks at Lyle. “Nice work,” he says to him. “Didn’t think you had it in you, big boy.”
Lyle smiles at Jonah expectantly, like he’s waiting for a pat on the head.
Jonah begins to pace and takes out his phone. I have no idea what he plans to say to me, do with me. I eye the door, readying myself to run for it the second I get the chance. Jonah dials, watching me as he brings the phone to his ear. He jumps as a voice comes on the line.
“Yeah,” he says. “I need to talk to my father. I don’t care who he’s having dinner with, this is important.”
“Who’s your father?” I ask, worried that I’ve found the investor’s son after all.
“My dad?” Jonah says. “He’s the best fucking lawyer in town.So if you’re thinking you’re going to get some big settlement, think again.”
“Does he work for the corporation?” I ask.
Jonah can’t hide his annoyance. “What? He doesn’t work for anyone. He has his own firm.” He turns to the side as someone comes back on the phone line. “Yes, I’m still here,” he says impatiently. “Can you hurry?”
Jonah continues to block my path to the door. His intimidation is meant to keep me in place. What will happen when his lawyer father arrives? If they truly feel there are no consequences to their behavior … what’s going to happen to me?
“Dad,” Jonah says suddenly into the phone. “We need your help. It’s a girl, and …” He pauses, wincing once. “Look, I’m at a friend’s house, and this girl made me say some shit. She recorded it.” He looks at me. “Yeah, she’s still here. Okay.” Jonah turns away from me, seeming uncomfortable. “Anhour? How do you want me to stop her?” he asks quietly.
Jonah listens for a bit, nodding along, and then he murmurs goodbye and hangs up. He slips the phone back into his pocket.
“What’s your father going to do to me?” I ask. “What’s he going to do when he gets here?”
Jonah opens his mouth to answer when the door creaks open.
We all look over and my heart leaps. Sydney is standing there with the big guy, Demarcus, at her side.
And she’s holding a wooden bat.
I nearly start to cry. To see a girl again … It’s everything. It’s love and safety.
