Page 134 of Sinful Bride

I can almost believe she’s in shock.

Almost.

“With the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and my own contributions of his DNA evidence for testing, we have been able to confirm Senator Scott Brennan has engaged in illicit and illegal sexual activities with minors. I am…” Another quivering exhale. “I am happy to say that the silver lining in all this has been the ability to identify several missing persons who have since been placed into protective custody and returned to their families.”

“What do you have to say about reports claiming he fathered children by minors?” calls a reporter from the throng.

A flash of anger passes through her eyes. There she is. “This aspect is still being investigated by the Bureau. I have no further information regarding any pregnancies resulting from my husband’s dalliances.”

“‘Dalliances’?” Another reporter pokes through the press crowd. “That’s what you’re calling Senator Brennan’s sexual abuse of child prostitutes?”

Cora stammers through her next, not-so-rehearsed spiel. “I misspoke. You’ll have to forgive me; I’m still struggling to process everything. After all our years combating human trafficking and child endangerment, you can understand why I’m beyond horrified at Scott’s behavior.”

“But you weren’t bothered by his use of taxpayer dollars on adult sex workers? Is that what we are to understand from your earlier statement?”

Tears pool in her eyes. “I am openly admitting I did not make the best decisions. I will own that. Now that I know the truth, the full truth, I will not rest until justice is served for these girls and their families. If that is the penance I must pay for my ignorance, I will gladly pay it and more.”

“Does this mean you’re filing for divorce?”

“Will you pursue criminal charges?”

“What about child support?”

“How does this impact your charity foundation?”

Cora looks done. Emotionally and mentally. She shakes her head and steps away from the podium, followed by the sea of reporters asking all the good questions she doesn’t want to have to answer.

I have to admit, this is an outcome I never quite fully factored into the shakedown of Scott Brennan. I knew, of course, that his actions and their unraveling would have to impact his wife.

But to see the light of social justice focus on her?

It’s cathartic, if I’m being honest.

I take the remote to turn the television off when I see something just over Cora’s shoulder. She’s approaching her car, and one of her security detail opens the back passenger door for her.

The face I thought I saw through the windows becomes much clearer, even if just for a second.

Ophelia Hamish.

I fucking knew it.

47

DAPHNE

“Did you see this?” I hold up the breaking news bulletin that just popped up on my phone’s notifications. “Can you believe it?”

Pasha squints at the screen over my shoulder, then shrugs. “It’s about damn time.”

Senator Scott Brennan Expelled From Office; Criminal Charges Pending

I never had direct business with Scott Brennan, but what little interaction I did have with him left a sour taste in my mouth.

“What kind of charges is he facing?” I ask while my husband refills my coffee mug.

“What kind of charges isn’t he facing is the better question. He’s corrupt, plain and simple.” Pasha pours his own mug. “But if I’m making an educated guess, I’d start with human trafficking. Prostitution. Child endangerment. Bribery. Money laundering.”

My eyes bug out of my head. “Holy shit. Why not just add ‘murder’ to the mix?”

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