Page 85 of In the Air Tonight

“How did that make you feel?”

“Deeply, deeply angry. Especially because Neisy had to leave our school and go somewhere else for her senior year. I’ve thought of her every day, and I hoped…I hoped she’d managed to go on with her life. I was so happy to hear she’s married and has four kids.”

“Why come forward with this information now?”

“I heard Ryder is running for Congress. That news made me realize I don’t care anymore what happens to me. I couldn’t live with this for another second while he’s out there seeking a prestigious office based on his inherent popularity. After I told Houston my story… That was first time in fourteen years I slept through the night without medication.”

“And you’re willing to testify in open court?”

“I am.”

Josh leans forward to turn off the recording. “Thank you for your candor and for coming forward.”

“What happens now?”

“We’ll present the case to the statewide grand jury, which will decide whether it’s strong enough to pursue charges.”

“How soon will you know?”

“In the next seven to ten days.”

She nods. “Do you have a sense of which way it’ll go?”

“With your testimony and the victim’s decision to participate, I’ll be shocked if they don’t vote to indict.”

On the way home, I tell her I’m surprised Spurling said that. “They usually play these things much closer to the vest. It’s possible he wanted you to know how critical your testimony would be.” Before I leave her at Jack’s, I caution her not to get her hopes up. “Just because Spurling has faith in the case doesn’t mean the grand jury will vote to indict.”

“I’ve been far more concerned about my conscience than any hopes I might have for what happens next.”

“I hope your conscience is feeling lighter.”

“It is.”

“I need to share something with you.” I’ve had a raging debate with myself over this ever since I heard her story the first time.

“What’s that?”

“Over the years, I’ve been friendly with Ryder. Dallas and I play cards with him and Cam, your brother and some others. I wouldn’t say I’m in any way close to him, but I do consider him a friend.”

“And yet you’re still moving forward with the case.”

“I’m doing my job.”

“Your job may cost you several friends, not to mention your brother.”

“I’m aware.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Of course it does, but I believe you. It was shocking to hear what you’d seen, to realize your story matched Denise’s description of events almost exactly and to reconcile that information with the man I’ve known all these years. But thatwon’t stop me from doing what needs to be done to get justice for Denise, who was also my friend once upon a time.”

“I wasn’t aware of the personal stakes for you.”

“Don’t forget the incident took place at my party. It’s always been personal for me.”

“True.”

“Like you, I wish it’d never happened.”

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