Page 45 of Entice

Crystal picked up her sandwich and took a bite. “Delicious every single time.”

Jordan picked up his own ham and cheese and took a bite as Crystal pulled her notebook out of her bag. “Things I wrote about Brady’s family. How they were treating him and how they won’t let him talk at all. We’ll need to get him on the stand to tell his side of the story.”

“I noticed the lawyer silencing him. They were like that at the first hearing.”

“Something is fishy there.” She took another bite of her sandwich and grabbed a napkin when a little bit of mayo dripped on her chin.

“What makes you say that?”

“I observed the dynamic between Brady and his family.” She placed the sandwich on the plate and leaned forward. “They remind me of mine.” Ice slipped down her spine. She loved her family, but she wouldn’t live like they did.

Jordan’s warm hand covered hers where it rested on the table. “Tell me.” His voice was soft, yet the command was there.

“I told you I grew up in a very strict household. School, homework, chores, that was about it. We weren’t allowed to play outside until everything was done to our parents’ satisfaction.”

“Doesn’t sound like fun.”

“Nope. I rebelled off and on, but it was like beating my head against a wall. Eventually I stopped when I realized I wasn’t going to change and neither were they.”

“But you didn’t give up on your dreams.”

“No.” A small smile tilted her lips. “I kept my dreams of a new life in my head.” She never wrote any of them down, not after she found her mother reading her sister’s diary.

“There’s another story there.”

“Yes, but not today. Anyway, my parents were religious. We had to go to church every Sunday. The thing I liked was being able to play with the other kids after church and, when I was a teenager, being able to sneak away for a bit.”

“I can picture that.”

She grinned at him. “I bet you were a terror with your parents.”

“Maybe, but we’re not talking about me. Go on about Brady’s family.”

“Well, I saw things that used to happen with my parents. Not allowing us kids to talk. The stern looks and—” She gave a little shake. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something in the way Brady’s father looked at Sage. Downright hatred.

“And?”

“I know Brady’s an adult, but they treat him like he’s a helpless child. I also sense hatred and malice. That’s the vibe I’m getting.” She glanced over her notes.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. What else?”

“Well, I think it would be good if we could talk with someone who knows both Sage and Brady. Someone who has seen them play together, to show this is truly consensual.” Jordan frowned, and Crystal pulled her hand from his. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” He waved his hand in the air. “We can ask. First though, I’d have to make sure Max is on board. But I’ll be honest with you, this would likely mean bringing club business into the open.”

“Yeah. I don’t want to out anyone or the club. I was thinking, if Max was willing, he’s probably known them both the longest and can convince the judge of how important consent is in the lifestyle.”

Jordan rubbed his hand over his face. “Maybe. I don’t want to hang Max and his business out to dry.”

“Of course not. That’s why this is difficult.” She didn’t want anyone else to get hurt by this case. “How much does Brady’s family actually know?”

“They know about his and Sage’s relationship. They don’t understand it.”

“Do they know about the club?”

“I don’t think so. Brady wouldn’t have told them.”

“All right.” She blinked when someone stepped up to the table. Crystal stiffened when she saw a woman holding a cell phone, obviously recording the encounter.

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