Page 167 of In the Air Tonight

I sobbed for half an hour after that conversation the other day. My big sister loves me. She’s sorry I didn’t feel like I could go to her with this when it first happened. What might’ve been different if that had been an option? And what she said about Arlo gave me hope, too. Maybe he’ll come around to forgiving me at some point. Wouldn’t that be something?

The State Police drive us to court in Newport and escort us inside an hour before the hearing, past a huge group of media that’ve been cordoned off to the side of the stone stairs. Having a former congressional candidate charged with sexual assault is a big story in this little state, especially when two eyewitnesses have come forward fourteen years after the fact. The media has picked apart the story from every angle, going so far as to publish the transcripts of the preliminary hearing that was held the first time Ryder was charged.

We’re walked through a metal detector. My purse is scanned like at an airport.

Jack’s hand on my lower back provides the support I need so badly right now. He’s been right by my side as I rested and recovered from my injuries and prepared to testify today.

Josh Spurling is waiting for us inside, and escorts us to a private room. “How are you feeling?”

“Still sore but better than I was.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I was told this morning that the U.S. Marshals are being brought in to find Mr. Elliott.”

“It’ll be a relief to hear he’s in custody.”

“Indeed. Thank you for agreeing to see Denise before the hearing.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Can I get you anything?”

“We’re fine. Thanks.”

“Okay, I’ll bring Denise in when she arrives.”

While we wait, Jack sits next to me and holds my left hand. I so appreciate his insistence on being with me today. His unwavering support makes me love him more than I already did.

About ten minutes after we arrive, the door opens to admit Denise and a tall, handsome man with a military haircut.

She’s still strikingly beautiful. Her cheeks are slightly fuller, and there’s a maturity to her that wasn’t there before, but I would’ve recognized her anywhere.

They sit across from us. “Thank you for seeing me. This is my husband, Kane.”

“Good to meet you, Kane. This is my friend, Jack.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Jack.” She clears her throat and looks directly at me. “I was horrified to hear about the accident. Are you all right?”

“I will be.”

“I’m so sorry that happened.”

“Thank you, but it’s not your fault.”

“I asked to see you because I wanted to thank you for coming forward.”

That’s not at all what I expected her to say. “I, um…I don’t deserve your thanks. What I did was despicable.”

“I don’t blame you. We all know what would’ve happened to you if you’d reported it then. By coming forward now, you’re clearing my name and giving me justice I thought I’d never get.”

“It should’ve happened a long time ago. I’ll always be sorry it didn’t.”

“Better late than never.”

I’m amazed by her kindness and grace. “I absolutely abhor the way you were treated, from the first minute you joined our class all the way through that dreadful summer. You didn’t deserve any of it.”

“I know I didn’t. I’ve had a lot of therapy over the years and have come to see that it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with their insecurities.”

“I’m still very sorry for what you endured. I wish I could’ve been there for you the way I wanted to be at the time.”

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