Page 149 of The Chase

I let out a breath. “Something happened tonight, and, well, Nora doesn’t want to go to the police, but I told her I couldn’t in good conscience let it go unreported.”

Prescott’s eyes widen. “The police?” He opens the door wider and gestures for us to come inside.

Nora shoots me a panicky look.

I squeeze her arm. “It’s fine. I promise.”

As we follow the two men into a living room the size of my townhouse in Hastings, I dial my dad’s number on my phone. He answers immediately. He’s been waiting for my call.

“Hey, Dad, we just got here. I’m putting you on speakerphone.” I glance at Prescott. “Dean, you know my father. I hope you don’t mind if he listens in.”

I see Richmond’s lips tighten. I assume the word cloud in his snotty brain is now flashing “Preferential treatment!”

He can eat a dick.

“I know this is weird, but I’m from a family of lawyers,”

I explain to the men. “I’m not allowed to have any important conversations without legal counsel.”

A chuckle floats out of my phone. “You got that right, Princess.”

Nora seems to be fighting a smile. I’m surprised when it actually breaks free, and it’s genuine. “Family of lawyers?” she murmurs to me. “Me too.”

“Look at that,” I murmur back. “And you thought we didn’t have anything in common.”

Maybe if she’d given me a chance instead of assuming I was an airhead, we could’ve been friends. But deep down I know that will never be the case. I’m a super-jealous person, and the fact that she went on one date with Fitz means I’ll always want to claw her eyes out.

But I also watched her almost get raped tonight, and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

With Prescott and Richmond’s rapt attention on me, I repeat the story of what happened tonight. Nora fills in her side of it, explaining how Laurie bought her two drinks and flirted with her all night until finally making his move after everyone had gone home. Both men wear murderous expressions when I mention where Laurie’s hand had been when I opened the bathroom door.

“So I karate chopped him and—”

There’s a choked laugh from my dad.

“Daddy,” I scold.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. It’s just that youtook karate for three months before you quit. And you were twelve. I can’t believe you still remember any of the moves.”

“I don’t. Just that one,” I admit.

“Well, it came in handy tonight,” he says, and his pride practically pours out of the phone speaker.

“Anyway.” I finish the story by admitting that this wasn’t the first time Laurie made a move on a student. Nora stares at me in surprise as I reveal, “I had a meeting in his office and he tried to kiss me.”

My father roars. “I’m going tokill—”

“Daddy, hush! You’re a defense lawyer. You can’t threaten to kill people. And he didn’t push the issue when I told him I wasn’t interested. Tonight he’d had a lot to drink, so maybe that contributed to his behavior.” I level Prescott and Richmond with a stern glare. “But he can’t get away with it. We can’t have someone like that teaching at Briar.”

“Absolutely not,” Prescott agrees, while Richmond gives a grim nod. “Don’t worry, ladies. Briar will be taking swift action. And, Nora, please remember you have access to counseling at the student health center. I encourage you to take advantage of that.”

She nods weakly.

My dad speaks up. “As for contacting law enforcement, obviously nobody can force you to press charges, Nora—you need to do whatever you feel is right. However, should you change your mind, I will gladly serve as your counsel. Summer will give you my contact info. You can call me any time, day or night.”

She bites her lip, her gaze slightly awed. “Thank you, sir.”

Our late-night visit to the dean’s house comes to an end. Nora and I thank them for listening, and as the men walk usout, I take my father off speakerphone and murmur, “Love you, Daddy. Thank you.”

---