Page 39 of Fracture

“Well, as it turns out, when the FBI seized his computers, they found hundreds of files of child pornography. Even on his work computers. He had quite the collection, sick old bastard.”

“I know,” I choke out.I know, because one of those kids was me.

“Gloria Fenton was a witness in the case against him, did you know?”

My stomach threatens to empty its contents onto my feet, and sweat erupts on my brow. “I beg your pardon?”

“The testimony was delivered in closed court because it pertained to a minor.”

Fucking bitch. Angry tears prick at my eyes. “Are we still off the record, Mallory?”

“Absolutely.”

“The minor she talked about was me.”

Mallory makes a sound like a gasp, professionally cut off as she takes a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Stella.”

“I mean, I can’t say that with 100% certainty, obviously. But my stepmother, she… She knew what happened to me when I was a kid. She’s denied it, for years. But she knew.”

“I don’t know what else to say other than I am more than sorry.” Mallory’s tone is slow and measured, and she continuesto do a great job hiding any shock she may be feeling. “I hope you’re surrounded by people who love and support you now, and that you know what happened to you was not your fault.”

Her words are so unexpectedly kind, and I need to take a shaky breath before I can respond. “Thank you. I am. I’m fine now.”

“Stella, I have every reason to believe that Gloria Fenton is about to position herself as a victim of your father, and try to gain renewed sympathy for herself.”

“And why would she do that?”

“She’s entering into the gubernatorial race.”

I laugh bitterly. “Gloria wants to be governor? Of course she does.”

“Stella, if you give me an exclusive we can go on the record and stop her.”

“I’m not doing that.” I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, curling my hand into the blanket on my bed. “I can’t revisit all of that.”

“I understand this would be hell for you, but don’t you want the people to know just what kind of person Gloria Fenton is?”

“No.” I grip the phone hard, sure my knuckles are turning white. “This isn’t about her, this is about me, and my peace. And her son, he just got out of prison. He doesn’t need all this hanging over him either.”

“Stella, I told you that some college students had been looking into Levi and Dylan’s case, didn’t I?”

My throat goes dry, and I try to swallow to wet my tongue. “You’d mentioned it, yes.”

“Well, it seems they’re questioning some discrepancies in their testimonies.” Footsteps sound over the line, and the background noise dulls a little. When Mallory speaks again, her voice has dropped low. “I’ve looked into it myself, and there are locks and black-outs on their file I’ve never seen before.”

“Mallory, strictly off the record - stay out of this.”

“But-”

“I mean it.” Urgency colors my words, the old panic and fear rising up in my chest. “There are things about this case that you need to stay out of.”

“Like powerful men who pulled strings for a plea deal no murder suspect has ever received before?”

I suck in a breath, a tornado of anxiety unleashing in my stomach. “Goodbye, Mallory. Thanks for answering my questions.” I hang up amid her protests, and throw my phone on to the bed as though it’s suddenly made of hot coals.

I feel nauseous, the slanted roof of my ceiling suddenly a cave roof threatening to collapse on me. Anyone looking into those files is asking for trouble. They could get themselves killed.

I feel an anxiety attack building, and kneel on the bed, placing my palms flat on the comforter. “I’m OK. I’m here. I can feel the bed. I’m safe.” I blink back tears, one shaky breath after another wavering past my lips. “I’m OK. I’m safe.”

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