“No,” Brendan says firmly.
“No.” I pout.
“Why do you sound upset by that fact?”
“Because I wanted one after what happened to me, but they’re dangerous, and I need to take classes before I can get one.” And honestly, I’m still scared of them.
“Did you want the gun to get revenge?”
“No, I wanted the gun to protect myself, so I don’t get raped by three men who were twice my size… Again.”
“I’m sorry, I know this must be hard for you,” Jason placates me.
“Yes, apologizing and minimizing my suffering makes me feel better. Why don’t you tell me that your thoughts and prayers are with me too?” I hope he can feel my sarcasm.
Jason wants to laugh, I can see it, but he’s trying to be professional. “You are a feisty one.” His voice sounds proud.
“I’m tired of saying thank you and smiling like nothing’s wrong. I was raped and those men are now free, and when someone tries to even the score, I’m the one getting accused of it.”
“No one is accusing you, Rory,” Jason soothes.
“Then why are you here?” Brendan asks.
“Following all leads.”
“Well, I’m a doctor who took an oath to do no harm, and Rory was studying to be a nurse before he was attacked on the college campus.”
“I understand. You have any questions, Rebecca?”
She nods. “Do you have any idea who could be behind this? Did anyone online give you any hint that they might want justice for you?”
“Thousands of people have threatened them and me on my socials. I’ll give you all my logins and you can sift through them.”
“That would be helpful,” she admits. “Why would you help us, though? Don’t you want your attackers to be punished?”
“I have nothing to hide, and vigilante justice is only okay in Gotham City.” I pause. “I don’t want people being hurt because of me.”
Rebecca nods and gives me a soft smile before turning to Jason. “I’m good.”
Jason stands. “Thanks for your time.” He turns to my brother. “Brendan, a word please?”
He rolls his eyes but follows him out the front door. Now I roll my eyes. I’m getting pretty sick of everyone talking around me, not to me.
“So how are you holding up?”
“I’m fine.”
“Listen. This isn’t widely known yet, but the lead foreman of your trial went missing six days ago.”
“So… Oh shit!” My brain snaps online. “The bald homophobic asshat?”
She snickers but then gets serious. “Yes, that man. No one even knew he was missing until he didn’t show up for work. When we started digging in his finances, it looks like was paid a large sum of money about six months ago.”
“I bet he got paid off by Chad’s parents,” I scoff.
“Possibly, but a man that influential could definitely afford to buy a jury.”
“Should I be worried?”
