Chapter 1
“My father admitted he’s sexually attracted to young ladies,” I said. My pulse raced while I stared directly at Jack Wilson, my father’s defense attorney. It was the first time I’d stated this information to anyone other than my friends and the police.
He paused. “The term young lady is a bit broad and doesn’t necessarily mean a minor.”
“He specifically said fourteen,” I replied.
“When did you learn about this, Ms. Thompson?”
My chest tightened with the memories of my father’s twisted confession. The same night he almost killed me.
I glanced over to Hendrix and Mac who sat in the audience along with multiple reporters. Our little town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, made headlines across the country a few weeks ago when the news of a secret society of men who raped underage girls was brought to light.
Hendrix nodded slightly, his piercing blue eyes filled with love and support. He was the reason I was alive today. Him and Ada Lynn.
“March 5th.”
My attorney, Marcus Johnson, had advised I keep my answers as short as possible. So far, I’d succeeded. But the longer I was questioned, the more I was afraid I was going to lose control of my emotions. Not only was I testifying against my father, but it would be the last time I saw him. I was going to move on, and he would rot in jail.
“And what happened on March 5th?”
The courtroom was silent while I collected my thoughts. I cleared my throat before I spoke.
“On March 5th, my father admitted to me that he had arranged for Carl Roberts to rape me when I was fourteen.”
Although the jury wasn’t supposed to show emotion, someone gasped. The defense attorney’s gaze traveled toward them, his brows knitting together.
I took a shaky breath and continued. “And in exchange, Mr. Roberts arranged for my fa—my father to have Carl’s niece. To rape Carl’s niece.” My voice quivered with anger. “We were both fourteen at the time.”
“Was he sober when he divulged this information?” Mr. Wilson asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“I don’t know. I hadn’t seen him in weeks.”
“Does your father have a drinking problem?” Marcus had mentioned the defense would push the issue that Kyle hadn’t been coherent or in his right mind when he’d admitted the trade.
“I’m not a professional who can make that decision,” I replied. Thank God Marcus had coached me well. I’d never seen the inside of a courtroom before. Not to mention the sight of my father was enough to unnerve me.
I peeked at my father a few times during my questioning, but his expression never changed. He remained deadpan and aloof.
After what seemed like an eternity, I was excused from the box. My legs wobbled as I stepped down and made my way to the seat between Hendrix and Mac.
“You were amazing,” Hendrix whispered in my ear. He planted a gentle kiss on my cheek and took my hand. Mac took the other one. I stared at the back of my father’s head. This was it. I was minutes away from eliminating him from my life forever.
“Let’s take a fifteen-minute recess,” the judge said.
Hendrix released my hand and stood. He straightened his red and black tie and buttoned his suit jacket. I wasn’t sure if my heart was pounding because he looked so hot or that I was finished in the courtroom. Maybe a little of both.
“Let’s get the hell out of here,” Mac mumbled.
“I don’t ever want to see another courtroom for as long as I live,” I said.
Mac nodded in agreement. Her brown hair flowed past her shoulders, and she wore a navy-blue fitted dress. She looked amazing, and it was a nice contrast from her usual braids and plaid flannel shirts.
I stood and smoothed my black skirt and emerald green blouse. My father glanced over his shoulder at me and our eyes locked. I stood motionless and held his gaze. Then I tilted my chin up and turned away.
“I need some fresh air and fast,” I said softly to Hendrix and Mac.
We hurried out of the courtroom and through the front doors. The fresh spring air greeted me as I stepped outside the courthouse. We made our way to the side of the entrance, and I removed my ponytail holder, shaking my hair free. Marcus had wanted to make sure I looked young and angelic for my court appearance. Apparently it would make a positive impression on the jury. I’d have worn a chicken suit if it helped put my father behind bars for the rest of his life.
I leaned against the wall and inhaled deeply while Hendrix removed his suit jacket. Mac discarded her heels immediately. I couldn’t help but smile. We were both more comfortable in jeans and tennis shoes.
“Gemma,” Marcus Smith didn’t look anything like the bulldog he was in the courtroom. He was on the short side, probably five foot nine, and skinny as a rail with a receding hairline. “You did great. You’re free to go. I’ll keep you updated on the trial. I’ll be here every day until the jury comes back with a verdict.”
“That would be great, Marcus. I can’t go back unless I have no other choice.” I wrung my hands together at the mere idea of seeing my father again.
“Just make sure she doesn’t have to come back,” Hendrix said, slipping his arm around my waist.
“That’s my goal,” Marcus said.
“You did super awesome, bestie,” Mac said. “I’m so proud of you. I don’t know if I could testify against a parent. Not to mention having to talk about the whole sex trade deal. It’s so fucked up. Like who even thinks like that?”
“Mac,” Hendrix said gently, “not now.”
Mac nodded. “Sorry.” She peeked up at me. “I think I should just get that word tattooed on my forehead.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I appreciate your support, but I sure as hell don’t want to do it again.”
“Hopefully you won’t have to, but stay near your phone,” Marcus said.
“We have the concert tonight,” Hendrix reminded him.
Mac bounced on her toes, excitement filling her face.
Hendrix and I were opening with our song, “Couldn’t Love You More.” Although I had the jitters, it was a good thing. I desperately needed to have some fun after today. We all did.
“That’s right. It’s in Baton Rouge, correct?” Marcus asked.
“Yeah, it’s a quick trip. We’ll be back late tonight,” Hendrix said.
“Sounds good.”
We said goodbye to Marcus and walked toward our cars.
“It’s only ten-fifteen, so I have a few hours to jump Jeremiah before I get ready for the concert,” Mac said, wiggling her eyebrows at us.
“Whatever you need to do is fine but be ready by three. I’ll pick you up in front of your dorm,” Hendrix replied, grinning at her. Nothing seemed to faze him when it came to the outrageous stuff that flew out of Mac’s mouth.
“Okay. I’m so excited!” she squealed as we arrived at her Kia.
“I couldn’t tell,” I teased. “Thanks for coming, too. I don’t want to be alone while Hendrix is performing.”
“But you’re still singing with him, right?”
“Yeah, just the opening song.”
“For now,” Hendrix said, rubbing my back. “We’re going to write some more together.”
“Omigosh! I can’t wait to hear the new material. Okay, seriously, I have to go. Jeremiah isn’t always in the mood for a quickie because, ya know, he likes to take his time. I just don’t have a lot of that today. Gotta go!”
She gave us a quick hug and got into her car.
Hendrix led me to his Lexus a few spots down from Mac’s vehicle. We settled in, and he started the engine.
“How are you?” he said, his thumb gently rubbing my cheek.
“Honestly?”
“Always,” his expression filled with concern as he searched my face.
“I’m not sure, but I’m going to say I’m leaning toward the fucked up end of the scale.”
“Understandable. Let’s consider tonight our new beginning. We’re singing for the first time since we got back together. I’ve missed singing with you, Gem.” He leaned across the console and gave me a gentle kiss. “And don’t forget, you and Mac are meeting Billy tonight, too.”
There was no way I could fight the grin that spread across my face. Billy Raffoul was my favorite singer other than Hendrix.
Hendrix shot me a look and then frowned. “Should I be worried about introducing him to you?”
“What?” I asked, shock lacing my words. “What are you talking about?”
Hendrix pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward our house.
“Gem, you’re beautiful, genuine, and your voice is amazing. There’s not a guy on earth that wouldn’t want you.”
Oh my God. Was Hendrix jealous? Between his money and singing career, girls hit on him all of the time. I should be the one in our relationship that was worried.
“Babe, it’s business, that’s all. You said it yourself: we’re meeting with him to discuss music opportunities, right? Just because I’m fangirling doesn’t mean I’m going to run off with him. There’s no one else for me except you.” I took his free hand in mine and kissed it.
“You’re my everything, Gem. I don’t want to lose you again. I guess the residual effects of what Andrea did still lingers inside me. I’ve never felt so helpless and devastated before. All of a sudden, someone else had the power to ruin my life, and it fucked me up. I’m still working through it.”
“I know, me too. But I told you when I came back that nothing would get in the way of us again. Not even music.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s been a crazy morning, and my mind is still reeling from your testimony in court,” he said and squeezed my hand.
“For the record, I’m totally over this entire shit show. I just want us to be free to move forward.” I leaned my head back against the seat and stared out the window for the rest of the ride home.
Hendrix pulled into our driveway and parked.
“I need to check on Ada Lynn,” I said, getting out of the car.
“Do you want me to go with you?”
A chill shot through me when my eyes landed on my father’s empty house across the street. My childhood home. It was the house I hid myself away in after I was raped, and the place I left behind to find myself in Spokane, Washington. It was also the last place I saw my mother alive. The majority of my life had happened within those walls, including the nearly fatal evening when my father broke my ribs. Phantom pains still stirred inside me from the repetitive impact of his foot. It would most likely haunt me for the rest of my life. I wondered what would happen to the house when he was sentenced.
“It’s okay. It will give us a few minutes alone before you come over to meet the nurse,” I said, approaching him. He pulled me to him, kissing me tenderly.
“I know he’s gone, but I’m still watching you cross the street,” he said, leaning his forehead against mine.
I smiled up at him. “Thank you.” I stepped away and walked toward Ada Lynn’s house, my heels clicking against the pavement.
Turning to peer over my shoulder, I waved at him, and then knocked on her front door.
