Page 65 of Resist

“Sounds good, see you then.” Po hangs up, and I lean back, closing my other notifications. I don’t care what the world is saying. My entire world is right here, and that’s all that matters.

Po arrives in two hours on the dot with two officers in tow. The detectives are dressed in casual clothes, and they seem nice. There’s a man and a woman, and we escort them to the kitchen where Fox is. I take a seat at his side, holding his hand as Strike and Dash sit in the other chairs. Po offers them a coffee and then takes a seat with us.

“It’s nice to meet you. I am Detective Reiss,” the older male says. He must be in his late forties, and he has a handsome face and graying brown hair. “This is my partner, Detective Williams. We are in charge of your case, and I want you to know we are taking it very seriously. We have patrols outside, clearing away the press, and Mr. Patterson is still at our station, so you’re safe.” The fact that he takes the time to say that makes me like him instantly, and Fox must feel the same way because he nods.

“Okay, Fox, we won’t take too much time, and whatever you feel you can share is fine. If you aren’t ready, that’s okay as well,” Williams says as she places a recorder on the table. “If you need a break, let us know, okay? We’re here for you, no one else, and I want you to know we are on your side. We are here to help you get justice. We also have your blood test results, and it shows the drugs he used on you. We tracked down his dealer and got his witness statement from when he sold it to Mr. Patterson. With your statement, we are going to formally charge him if that’s what you want.”

Some people probably wouldn’t want that due to the attention it would bring, but whatever Fox decides, I will support him.

“I want to press charges,” Fox says, his chin lifted. “I would also like to announce it publicly. I don’t want our fans to think we are hiding things. They are the reason we are where we are, and they deserve the truth.”

“Fox, that isn’t important,” Po begins.

“We can release a statement. I’m not ashamed of what happened to me,” he argues. “Besides, it happens to so many others, so shouldn’t I lead by example?”

“You don’t have to do anything but feel how you feel,” I assure him.

“No, I am in a position to highlight issues like this, so I will.” He nods at me. “It’s my choice. I’m not ashamed, Ryker. What happened to me happens to other people. If I can help at all, then I will.” He turns to the detectives. “Should I start at the beginning?”

For the next hour, Fox talks and answers questions. The detectives are nice. They listen and take the evidence Fox offers from his phone. They are respectful and informed, and when Fox leans back, looking tired, they shut their recorders off.

“That will be all for today, Fox. Thank you for all your help. I think we have everything we need. In the meantime, if you want to speak to us or would like any updates or anything, here is my number.” Detective Reiss slides a card over. “Please make sure to rest and take care of yourself. I can see you have an amazing support system.”

“I do.” He looks at me and smiles. “Thank you for coming here.”

“Of course.” Detective Reiss hesitates. “For what it’s worth, Fox, what you are doing is very admirable. I knew there was a reason I liked your music.” He winks, making us smile. “We will see ourselves out.”

We watch them go, and Fox leans into me. “Tired?” I ask, and he nods.

“About the statement . . . let me know when you want to do it,” Po begins hesitantly.

“Now,” Fox replies. “Can we record it here now? I want this all out. I don’t want it hanging over me. The longer I hide it, the more he wins. He wanted to blackmail me to keep this all secret, thinking I would be ashamed, but I’m not. I refuse to be. He is the one who should feel ashamed, and I want to make sure he does.”

“If you’re certain,” Po replies, and Fox nods. “Okay, do you want me to get a makeup team?—”

“No. I refuse to hide behind it. I’ll announce it as myself, right here in our home with my family.”

Po nods once again, and he hustles around. Fox sits up taller, holding my hand, and Strike and Dash move to his side. When Po is ready, he looks at Fox.

“Say whatever you want to. I can cut or edit it later. We should have a script, but I don’t want to tell you what to say on this, okay? Just leave the charges out for now until we have all the evidence,” Po advises. “Ready whenever you are.”

Nodding, Fox takes a deep breath, gripping my hand. “Hi, everyone. I’m Fox, Sanctuary’s guitarist. I’m sure you are all wondering what’s happened recently, so I’m here to give a quick statement. Our label will release a more in-depth one later, once we have all the facts, but I thought it was important to update you so you aren’t in the dark. I want to thank everyone for giving me some space these last few days as I come to terms with what happened. Two days ago, I was sexually assaulted,” he says starkly, and I’m astonished by his bravery. “It was by someone I knew, someone I once trusted. I was drugged and . . .” He swallows. I want to hold him and shield him from the world, but I can’t, and I hate it.

“It’s currently under police investigation, and I was very lucky Ryker found me in time and managed to save me. I have no plans to keep this secret or conceal what happened. By doing that, it gives the perpetrator a shield to hide behind. I will not be ashamed of what happened to me. I will be pressing charges, and as we speak, evidence is being gathered. What happened to me is not okay. Nobody should have to go through what I did, but I know I’m not the only one who has been through something like this, and I want to tell you how brave you are and how proud I am of everyone who has fought and is still fighting afterwards. I’m also asking for some privacy so I can come to terms with what happened and spend time with my family while I heal. I know how lucky I am. I’m surrounded by people who love me and are willing to fight for me, and I’m forever grateful. Thank you all for your understanding and love, and to the person out there that did this—if you ever see this, I want you to know that I don’t forgive you, and I never will. You took away my choice, and I won’t allow you to get away with it. Thank you.” He nods, and when Po turns the camera off, Fox slumps.

“You did so well,” I promise as I kiss his head, and Strike and Dash rub his shoulders. “We’re so proud of you, Fox.”

“He’s right, you’re doing amazing, but you don’t have to be strong all the time, okay?” Po says. “I mean it. I’m in your corner. Whatever you need.”

“Thank you,” Fox responds, and I can tell he means it. He looks at me and smiles softly. “I just need time, I think, and for everyone to treat me the same.”

“What? You mean we can stop being nice to you?” Dash groans. “About time.”

We all laugh, and it’s nice to see Fox joining in.

TWENTY-NINE

Two weeks later . . .

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