“I wasn’t.”
“You were.” He raises an eyebrow in challenge.
“Ugh, fine,” I cave. “Maybe I was feeling a tiny bit like this was my fault.”
“Rory. Remember what the therapist said?”
“Eat more ice cream.”
He laughs and stands to grab our luggage now that the plane’s stopped moving. “No, she said?—”
“I wasn’t asking to be attacked.”
“And?” he prompts.
“And their actions are their own.”
“Exactly, now let’s go talk to Becky.”
“Becky is here?” That makes me feel a little better.
“She wanted to make you feel more comfortable.”
“Dr. Byrnes, Rory,” Rebecca greets us.
“Becky. How are you? Oops, sorry. I know that we’re suspects and all, so I should be more professional.” I bow my head. “Detective Risch.”
Becky has been with me since the beginning. She was with me in the hospital and testified on my behalf, saying that this was not consensual and these men should be punished for what they did.Three other officers and detectives also defended me, and the fancy lawyer couldn’t trip them up.
She laughs lightly. “Not suspects, people of interest.”
“Alright, lead the way. I’m super tired and I want to get home.”
“We might have waited, but let’s just say that the victim’s parents are pushing to get this case wrapped up.”
Brendan scoffs. “Sure, they want justice for their son but don’t give a shit about anyone else.”
“Hypocrites, I know,” Becky says. “They also don’t like me heading this investigation, so of course I did. But I brought Jason here with me as an impartial third party.”
“I’m so impartial that even they can’t buy me, and it pisses them off.” Jason holds out his hand for me to shake. “It’s nice to meet you, Rory.”
I put my head down now and scoot behind Brendan a little.
I don’t know this guy. He could be working with the parents to make me pay for something I didn’t do.
Becky winks at me, and I feel slightly better, but I still don’t take his hand. Only Brendan can touch me. Although, the big boss daddy touched my cheek and that didn’t give me the icks.
Brendan nudges me, so I say politely, “Nice to meet you too, sir.”
I hug my legs closer to my body. Being in this room again is bringing back some terrible memories. All of the questions over and over and over. The bright lights, the harsh smell of cleaningsupplies, and the stupid mirror that makes me feel like a bug under a microscope.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Byrnes.” Jason comes in and sets down a folder.
“Hello, sir.”
“So we’ve brought you in for questioning today in the case of Tanner Krohn. Do you know this man?”
“Yes.” I want to throw in a duh and scream about how he attacked me, but staying calm will be the better option.
