Chapter 9 - The Offer in the Parking Garage
The recording changed everything.
Not because it made the assault worse.
Because it took away the excuse that it had happened too fast for anyone to stop.
Detective Brooks asked us not to release it.
“We need to verify the source.”
Rachel agreed.
I hated waiting.
Then Aaron Bell called.
He was the man who had filmed me from the table.
His number came through Rachel’s office.
“He wants to talk,” she said.
“About what?”
“The original video.”
“Why now?”
“He says Preston told him to delete it.”
Aaron insisted on meeting in the parking garage beneath Rachel’s building.
Rachel refused to let me go alone.
Brooks arranged for officers to remain nearby.
Dominic wanted me nowhere near him.
“I need to hear what he says when he can’t hide behind a table,” I told him.
Aaron looked smaller beneath fluorescent lights.
No champagne.
No audience.
Just a young man in an expensive coat, rubbing his palms against his pants.
“I didn’t touch you,” he said immediately.
“You filmed.”
“I know.”
“You laughed.”
His eyes dropped.
“I know.”
Rachel held out her hand.
“The phone?”
He pulled it from his pocket, then hesitated.
“Graham’s lawyer said I could be the one they blame.”
“And that’s why you’re here?” I asked.
His silence was honest enough to hurt.
He handed the phone to the officer who stepped forward.
Preston had started a group chat before arriving at the club.
The name was FRIDAY ENTERTAINMENT.
My photograph was in it.
Taken weeks earlier while I carried drinks.
Under it, Preston had written:
This one needs an attitude adjustment.
I couldn’t feel my fingers.
“You planned this.”
Aaron shook his head.
“I thought he meant embarrassing you. Making you sing.”
“You brought a phone out before anyone touched me.”
He looked away.
Rachel ended the meeting.
As we walked toward the elevator, Aaron spoke again.
“Wait.”
I turned.
“There’s something else.”
His voice cracked.
“Preston’s not worried about the assault anymore.”
“What is he worried about?” Rachel asked.
May you like
Aaron looked directly at me.
“He’s worried you’ll find out why Dennis picked you.”
