Page 158 of Prey for You

“Please…Please,Your Honor. I am not exaggerating the significance of this. It… it touches on misconduct and breach of human rights.”

The judge took a deep, frustrated breath, then shook her head.

“Sounds like we will require another stay. Court is adjourned until Wednesday at 9 a.m. All motions are to be filed by tomorrow at 5 p.m. It is time for us to move ahead, counsel!”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

She banged her gavel and Stephen sat down hard in his seat, then read the note again. Now his hands were shaking.

“Holy shit, Sam.”

I couldn’t quite breathe. Then his head snapped to me and he frowned. “This better not be some fucking trick.”

~ BRIDGET ~

I hadn’t heard from Sam since they got out of Court and that was insane. Gerald had recommended that the court environment was too stressful for me, and as a witness I wasn’t required to be there, so now they were keeping meaway,which Iknewhad come from Jeremy and I was fucking pissed about it.

When the back door popped, then creaked, I froze. But seconds later there were a few heavy footsteps, then Sam was standing in the hallway and I was gaping.

Had I lost six hours? Was it night?

A quick glance at the curtains told me, no. It was still sunny outside.

“Sam! How did you—”

“Bridget…” his voice was tight, strangled.

My stomach dropped to my toes. What had happened? Had he had to sign the plea deal? Was Jeremy—

“Bridget,” he croaked. “What happened between you and Jeremy last year? And… why didn’t you ever tell me?”

An ice cube skated down my spine.

Sam’s face hardened and he took two steps closer.“Tell me what the fuck happened.”

53. Hope

~ BRIDGET ~

I was chittering, wringing my hands.Horrified.“Why… why would you even ask that question—?”

“Is it true?” Sam said, his eyes reddened and his voice hoarse. “Did he sleep with you? Did you… did you sleep withhim?”

I backed away a step and Sam’s eyes got even sadder.

“I told you,” I breathed, my head spinning,no no no no no.“I told you what I was like back then… We agreed, we were letting the past go. You can’t be mad, Sam. I didn’t evenknowyou—”

“That’s not what I’m asking,” he hissed through gritted teeth. “I’m asking ifthat bastardslept withyouwhen you were his informant and under his professional care.”

Hands over my mouth. Head screaming. But it all came rushing back.

Dumb, dumb, dumb mistake.

“I was so messed up that night, Sam. You have to understand—”

“That makes it worse! Bridget…did he rape you?!”

“What?! No!” His eyes were so pained. I panicked. “Listen, Sam. Listen. It’s not what… what you think. You have tolisten.”

---