Page 104 of In the Air Tonight

“You didn’t know about this?”

“No, we hadn’t heard a word about a grand jury or any of that.”

“Oh, wow, sorry it came as a total shock. I assume it was handled very carefully due to his campaign. Prosecutors never want to be accused of trying to influence politics.”

“Was the grand jury verdict unanimous?”

“I believe it was.”

Son of a bitch.

“Why did the state cops arrest him?”

“Apparently, the LE chief has a conflict of interest as the alleged assault took place at a party at his former home. He turned the case over to the State Police.”

Of course I already know about Houston Rafferty’s party because I was there, but Rich doesn’t need to know that. It’s also a shock to learn Houston has been involved in this for weeks and never said a word. “Okay. Thank you, Rich.”

“No problem. I’m sorry about your brother.”

“I am, too.”

“Did he do it, Cam?”

There’s no way I can tell someone from the AG’s office, even a friend, the truth. “I don’t know.”

“Well, good luck to you and your family.”

“Thank you for calling.”

“Of course.”

I feel worse than I did before Rich filled me in on the details. This is bad. As bad as it gets and about to get so much worse. I’m furious that Ryder didn’t take my advice about running for office. I’d told him it was a huge mistake, and I hate to sayI told you so, but… If someone had been sitting with this information for all this time, hearing Ryder was seeking that kind of office would’ve been enough to push the witness into doing something about it. I’d bet my life that’s what happened.

And now I also have to worry about what’ll happen if it gets out that we lied about Neisy in a sworn affidavit when the original charges were filed.

I’ve no sooner had that thought when Arlo calls. “What the fuck is happening?”

“Ryder’s been indicted on rape charges.”

“Who are they saying he raped?”

“Neisy.”

“That was fourteen years ago! How is this coming up again now?”

“Apparently a witness has come forward who can corroborate her story.”

“What?” Arlo asks on a long exhale. “Awitness? Where was this so-called witness all this time?”

“I don’t know anything more. I’m on the way to the Wickford Barracks now to see Ryder.” Someone else can tell Arlo that the witness is his sister.

“We went out on a limb to save his ass years ago.”

“I’m well aware.”

“Will that come back to bite us now?”

“I really hope not.”

---