Page 27 of Whispers in the Dark

I chatted a few more minutes with Steph, then headed back toward my desk before I might be needed. I never went anywhere without my phone, and Adrian could ping me anytime, but I didn’t like to keep him waiting. I always wanted to make sure he knew that he could count on me.

I really wanted to drive that point home because I had stuck to a more regular work schedule. I would stay later one night a week, but for the most part, I was out the door between six and six-thirty. Lug Nut was happier, I was happier, and even the neighbor seemed a bit happier that he didn’t have to keep the dog so late. I would never be able to bake enough cookies to thank him for hanging in there the first few months.

Sitting back at my desk, I could hear Adrian on his call. There was a format that was followed for every status meeting and based on what I knew, they had reached the point where it was open discussion with a Q and A. So many questions were lobbedat my boss, yet he answered each one with ease and a wealth of knowledge. It was no wonder he kept his key stakeholders placated.

I was head down working on some materials for the next week when my cell phone began to vibrate on my desk. Most of the time, I just let it roll to voicemail, but the caller ID made me inhale sharply. My heart rate kicked up a notch when I answered.

“Brynn Davis.”

“Ms. Davis, this is ADA Kennedy with San Francisco County, did I catch you at a bad time?”

I swallowed around a tongue that suddenly felt too big for my mouth. “I—no. No not at all. I have a few moments to chat. How may I help, ADA Kennedy?” I heard a deep chuckle on the other end.

“Please, call me Eric. This is a courtesy call since you were not at the legal proceedings for Randall Evans.”

Randall. I should have known. After he had drugged and assaulted me in the back of that car during Colleen’s happy hour, I had filed charges against the man, then promptly went about my business. I had heard through the grapevine that the man had initially been put on leave, with pay, of course. It soon became evident that Randall was a serial offender. So many other women had come forward once word got out that I had filed. Each one of us had similar stories and I became infuriated that the company had basically turned a blind eye, allowing him to work there for years.

While I was onboarding for BT, I had been called in for a deposition, given numerous statements, and even picked his mug shot out of a lineup. I requested that I not be made to give in-person testimony, and that request had been approved, so my testimony was digitally recorded, then played during the court trial. I was thankful it had been allowed, as I really didn’t everwant to see that man’s face again unless it was on television or in a newspaper.

“…you still with me Ms. Davis?” I refocused on the conversation and realized he had asked a question.

“I am. Apologies. Someone approached my desk and didn’t bother to notice that I was on the phone. I’m still here.”

“Great. As I mentioned, since you were not at the trial, I just wanted to provide an update for you. The jury deliberated and came back with a guilty verdict, ma’am. With your help and very detailed testimony, we got him. Your willingness to come forward empowered others to do the same. I wanted to thank you and give you the good news myself.”

I sat there, stunned, and not quite sure I had heard correctly. “Wait. So Randall was found guilty? Meaning the jury believed us? What kind of time are we looking at?”

ADA Kennedy laughed louder at that question. “We just got the verdict. The sentencing phase is separate and that should come before the end of the week. With so many victims, he is looking at a very long time in prison. We have requested a minimum of forty years.”

My mouth fell open as we spoke for a few more minutes. About that time, Adrian stepped out of his office and noticed the look on my face. He walked to me and waited for me to end the call. Once finished, I placed both hands over my mouth and stared off into space while I processed the news.

“Brynn?” He didn’t elaborate beyond my name. He didn’t have to. Just the sound of his voice indicated he was concerned but would wait briefly for me to talk to him. There was no doubt that I would talk to him because that was our dynamic.

I lifted my eyes to his and searched the depth of his gaze. I saw a flicker of worry before he concealed it.

“Brynn.” This time it was an order.

“We got him.”

“What? Who?” Adrian frowned and lowered his voice, making me shiver. “What are you talking about, Brynn.”

“Randall. He’s been found guilty. That fucker is going to jail and I am so glad.”

19.Adrian

At the mention of the creep who’d assaulted her months ago, I tensed up immediately. It was good news that he’d been convicted. From the testimonies I’d heard about when following the case, he stood to earn a lengthy sentence. A small part of me wanted to be happy, and for Brynn – I was, but one thought kept repeating over and over in my mind.

Murder can carry a death sentence, and I deserve nothing less.

A slight tremor raced over me, but Brynn was still in such disbelief that she didn’t notice it. Regaining my composure, I glanced down at my watch. It was late enough in the evening which meant she would leave soon. As I briefly appraised her state, she still seemed somewhat dazed over the news. I didn’t want her to drive. I didn’t want her to be alone.

Both could be true, and they were. Clearing my throat, I looked back down at the time, then over to her. “The news is something to celebrate. Will you stay put for a few minutes for me?”

Brynn nodded, but didn’t verbally respond. I disappeared back into my office to grab my own cell phone. This time of night, especially during this season, would make it hard to find atable. It was a good thing that I had connections in the city, even if I rarely ever used them.

My first thought was to go to Spondi, but I was aware the chef and owner both knew my parents. The last thing I needed was for either to place a call to my mother. If she knew I was out on a date with a woman, she would start back on her pursuit to play matchmaker. I did not plan to either marry or give her grandchildren, so I’d need to find someplace else.

As I quickly wracked my mind, I remembered a place that a few of the Dominants at Lotus had gone to about a year ago. It was also a Greek restaurant which catered to Stavros, Alexander, and me. The owner had stayed at our table for quite a while regaling us with tales of his upbringing in Athens. Stavros and I had grown up in the capital of Greece, while Alexander had grown up in Corfu. After he’d finished talking to us, he’d given us each his business card. I’d never used it, much like the others often given to me.

---