Page 65 of Maddy's Justice

“They’re a pretty uptight bunch. There are things going on that we, the galley slaves, weren’t privy to,” Paloma answered.

“Aren’t there always in firms of that size?” Maddy asked.

“Sure,” Paloma agreed. “I clerked for one in law school and slaved for another before joining Stafford, Hughes.”

“So, what happened?”

“You got it right. Troy McGovern drugged me and raped me. I’d been there four years and was moving up. I went to Troy to see if I could get a spot on the mass torts team. I had heard some rumors about him, but I figured I could handle him.

“He invited me up to his office one night around nine. We had a drink, just one. I woke up around three in the morning. I was sitting at my desk with my head on it.”

“Are you sure you were raped?”

“Oh yeah. I felt it. Like I’d had rough sex, you know?”

“Yeah, okay.”

“And my panties were on backwards. After I had gone for a rape kit I went to Troy’s boss, Cliff Spenser, the next day. I told him I’d find Troy’s DNA and sue. They settled and I left.”

Maddy asked, “Did they get a blood test for drugs?”

“Yes, they did. They didn’t find anything, but roofies don’t stay in the blood stream for very long. It had been at least ten or twelve hours. I settled quickly and quietly because I couldn’t prove in court that it was not consensual which is what Troy would have claimed. I would have ended up on the losing end of things.”

“Yeah, you would have,” Maddy agreed.

“I’m surprised they haven’t settled yours.”

“They made an offer that was rejected,” Maddy said breaking privilege. “How much did you get?”

“I’m not supposed to say.”

“I was told you will have anonymity unless you testify against Stafford, Hughes in the current case.”

“I want nothing to do with it,” Paloma said. “I wish the women well, but I’m staying out of it. I’m happy where I am. Nice people and I actually get to help real clients and not just bill hours for assholes.

“I got a half a million and the car. All tax free and best of all I got out of Stafford, Hughes,” she said.

“They got by cheap,” Maddy said. “You sure you’re doing okay?”

“You know what? I’m glad I finally told someone. I’ve been telling myself it was no big deal. I wasn’t a virgin, but to be taken advantage of like that,” Paloma said as her eyes were filling with tears.

“You need to get some counseling,” Maddy said.

“Have you ever…?”

“Been raped? No, I carry a gun. Guy tried once. I threw him out a window and he splattered on the roof of a car eight stories below.”

“Seriously? My God, good for you.”

“I wouldn’t want to have to do it again,” Maddy solemnly said. “Can I call you? If we need to talk to you. After I talk to Marc.”

“I’ve heard of him,” Paloma said. “He’s had some high-profile criminal cases.”

“It’s not always what they’re cracked up to be. We’ve all been threatened, picketed and other crazy stuff.”

“Even here in Minnesota Nice?” Paloma said with a touch of irreverence.

Maddy laughed and said, “Yeah, even here. Why? Where are you from?”

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