“The Elders have to secure that conviction, though.”
“You don’t have to do anything, sweetheart.”
“But if I come forward and testify, it’ll increase the chances he’ll receive a harsher sentence, and be put away for longer.”
Daddy’s tone was reluctant, but confirming. “Yes.”
I had evidence, too. His DNA was all over me when I turned in the rape kit. This could actually put him away.
I steadied the phone in my shaking hands and said, “A trial could take years. There’s an international crisis going on.”
“Just because there’s a war doesn’t mean the justice system is put on hold. And it seems like the Elders want to move pretty quickly on this one.”
The phone crackled against the silence, and I slumped in my chair. “I don’t know, Daddy. I need to think about it.”
“Take your time. This bastard isn’t going anywhere.”
“Okay. Love you, Daddy.”
Even after I’d hung up the phone, I found myself stuck to the spot for long minutes, trying to comprehend what my father had told me.
It’d been nearly five years since I was assaulted. I didn’t know if anyone would believe me, let alone secure a conviction on my behalf, even with DNA evidence.
Five other girls.The knowledge was enough to make me sick.
But it didn’t have to happen again, not to anyone else. I could get justice for what he’d done to me, after I never thought I would. The Warden couldn’t stop me from telling my story— if I had a court order, he’d be forced to let me leave Institute grounds so I could testify.
At the same time, a trial would humiliate me. I’d have to go on public record and tell the world what he’d done. People would never look at me the same.
I couldn’t think about this right now. I just wanted to shut it away, compartmentalize it for a while so I could pretend this wasn’t my life. I had to get my mind on other things and give myself time to process, because at the moment, the thought of facing John again was too much for me to handle.
Hemlock opened the door for me when I tapped on the other side. “I hope you’re faring well.”
“Peachy as can be,” I grumbled. “I guess you know now too, huh?”
“Your father told me about what the accused has allegedly done, but your name didn’t come up in the conversation at all,” Hemlock said.
“You must’ve understood why he called.”
“What I can infer has no bearing on what I think of you, child.”
I sighed and dropped my gaze into my lap. “I don’t know what I should do.”
“The only thing you can do— what’s best for yourself.” Hemlock’s eyes became steely, and I caught a glimpse of the younger, bolder woman she’d once been. “If it were me? I’d give him hell.”
I gave her a short nod. She went back into her office without another word, and I continued onward.
As I moved toward the Arts & Crafts room, the people in the hallways began winding down, until I was pretty much alone. The sound of heels clicking on the floor caught my attention, and as I turned a corner, I halted my chair in place.
It was Lupe, along with her wolf Familiar. I hadn’t seen her in a long time. Since she was an upperclassman, I didn’t share a lot of classes with her.
She was carrying something… an emerald green gown, with a square cap.
“Oh, hi, Ava,” Lupe said, and she stopped to talk to me. “Need some help?”
I didn’t reply right away. At that moment, the sight of the cap and gown in her hand was the most magical thing I’d ever seen. “What… what’s that?”
“Oh, this?” She raised it. “It’s just my stuff for the ceremony. I had to pick it up this afternoon.”
