Page 65 of In the Air Tonight

“It was pretty shitty. I was their only child, so it was a lot.”

Hearing his story makes me see how everyone is dealing with something heavy. I’ve carried around my own heavy load for so long that sometimes I forget that. For the first time in fourteen years I feel less burdened. Houston knows what I witnessed, and he’s doing what he can with the information I gave him. Whatever happens from here is not up to me, and there’s relief in that.

My phone rings, and Houston’s name pops up on my screen.

I take the call and go inside with a wave to Jack. “Hi.”

“Hey. How’s it going?”

“All right. You?”

“I have a few updates for you. First, I went to Virginia yesterday to see Neisy, who now goes by Denise. I told her a witness has come forward who can corroborate her story and that the AG is considering reopening the case. She’s not interested in revisiting it.”

I feel strangely deflated at hearing that. But what did I expect? “Oh. Well… I can understand that.”

“As can I. However, we may not need her to proceed. I’m talking to the AG’s office this afternoon to go over the particulars. Your testimony may be enough added to Denise’s sworn statement from when the charges were originally filed.”

The thought of being the sole reason for the case being sent forward is daunting, but I’m undeterred. “Whatever’s needed, I’ll do it.”

“I’m sure the AG will want a statement from you, taken under oath, before they decide whether to go forward.”

My mouth goes dry at the thought of having to relive the excruciating details of that night, but I’m determined to do whatever it takes to make this right. “That’s fine.”

“I know I keep saying this, but I want you to be ready for a firestorm.”

“I appreciate your concern, and I’m as prepared as I can be.” As I say that, I notice my hands are trembling and my mouth has gone dry. Deep inside, that intimidated seventeen-year-old is still there and still afraid of people hating her.

“I think you should tell Jack what’s going on.”

“Why?”

“I want to make sure you’re safe. If and when the case is reopened, I’ll increase patrols around his place.”

His concerns about my safety send my anxiety into the red zone. “How long do I have before people will know?”

“That depends on what the AG decides. I’ll get back in touch after our meeting. It’s a different proposition without Denise’s testimony.”

“Did you tell her who’d come forward?”

“I did. She wasn’t sure she remembered you, but she knew Arlo.”

“She must’ve been angry.”

“She was confused and disappointed.”

“I hope you told her I hated myself then and now for not doing the right thing.”

“I told her. I’ll get back to you after I talk to the AG’s office.”

“Do you think I should give my family a heads up about what’s going on?”

“You might want to wait until after the meeting today. If the AG decides not to pursue it, there’d be no need to tell anyone.”

“I understand. Thank you, Houston. I appreciate all you’re doing.”

“Just doing my job.”

After he signs off, I sit for a long time thinking about what he said and how I should handle my mother, who wants to see me today.

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