Page 2 of Guilty As Charged
He was an up-and-coming comic book author. Geoff asked to take a picture with me, and I did a quick drawing for him. We chatted, and he asked about potentially working together. He said he needed help with drawing, and I was excited that he liked my work. Sure, I’d done comics on my own, but I was always too shy to show anyone. I still am.
It started off easy enough. He’d write, and I’d draw the pages. Geoff paid me a flat fee for each image I did for him, and after a few months, he started to really take off. He wanted to do a new series and asked me to sign a contract so that I couldn’t drop out before the series was complete. It seemed simple enough, and at the time, I understood why he would want to have it in place.
It’s my own stupid fault, but I signed the contract not realizing it had a noncompete. In addition to that, it included dressing up in cosplay for conventions and that all costumes had to be approved by him. The clause didn’t make sense because I was ghosting under him. No one knew I was the one creating the art for his comics or connected to him in any way. I didn’t realize it until it was too late and there was nothing I could do.
After I signed that paper and started working on the first book in the series, things got weird. The writing got dirtier, and the details of how he wanted me to draw the main girl made her have an uncanny resemblance to me. Then he gave me notes on how to draw the hero, who he wanted modeled after him. Only taller, with more hair and abs.
Geoff insisted we spend more time together, with me drawing in front of him. It was one thing after another, and before I knew it, he was trying to control all aspects of my life. Even what I could wear. Worse, the comic book series was blowing up, but all I wanted was to get out.
When I told him, he all but lost his mind and was quick to point out the noncompete and that I had a contract to finish with him. He told me he'd take everything I had. Not that there was a ton, but it didn't end there.
I can't prove it's Geoff, but around the same time, I started getting weird threats and aggressive sexual comments on my socials and through email. People would send pictures they created of me in graphic sexual positions. Sometimes with multiple men doing awful things to my image. A few times the commenters would say where I'd been that afternoon or what I'd worn, and that’s when I started to panic.
It all feels connected, but I have no proof, and the police handed it over to the cybercrimes division. That’s where the case died.
Except it hasn't died for me. In fact, it's getting worse.
Chapter Two
SPENCER
“You know there was a time when you guys were focused on work.” I glare at Landon and Gideon, who seem to find this funny.
“We’re focused.” Landon doesn’t even look up from his phone as he says it. He reads something on the screen, and then I watch him grin slyly before typing. I’d be willing to bet the firm he’s sending dirty messages to his wife.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.” Gideon is on his computer, but instead of running numbers, he’s designing a new greenhouse to go in his back garden.
“If anything, I’m jealous you guys are taking the month off and I’m stuck here,” I huff as I lean back in the chair and glare out at the city.
We’re in our shared office space, but I don’t have much longer before I need to meet my new client. I wasn’t planning on working during our break, but since these two clowns are taking their wives with them, it’s not like I can tag along. I’m not in the mood for a pity invite or to be the fifth wheel. As much as I don’t want to admit it, Gideon’s right. I am jealous.
“For the millionth time, come with us.” Landon puts his phone in his pocket and gives me his full attention. “There’s plenty of room on the yacht.”
“I get seasick,” I say, and Gideon snorts.
“No, you don’t.”
“I could get seasick. Sometimes it develops later in life.” I shrug, and Gideon looks over his laptop screen to raise an eyebrow at me. “And I’ve got a new client.”
“Which you agreed to take on after we told you the dates of the vacation,” Landon adds helpfully.
“It’s a favor to Scout.” It’s a lame excuse to my own ears, but at least they don’t call me on it.
“Suit yourself.” Landon gets up from his chair and grabs his stuff. “But if you change your mind, we’ll be skinny dipping in the Mediterranean while drinking margaritas.”
“Um, rethink that,” Gideon says as he gathers his things. “Number one, the water is freezing, and you don’t want to embarrass yourself. Number two, we roomed together in college, which means I’ve met my life quota of seeing your dong.”
“Skipping the group vacation doesn’t seem like such a bad idea,” I say to Landon, who comes over and gives me a hug.
“Take care of yourself and don’t burn the place down,” he tells me.
“No promises,” I say and hug Gideon too. “Keep an eye on that one.”
“If I come back without him, just know I made it as painless as possible.” Gideon winks at me, and I smile, despite my glum mood.
As soon as they are gone, my heart sinks. Gideon and Landon are my brothers, not by blood but in every other sense. When they’re not around, it feels like a piece of me is missing. With both of them leaving for a few weeks, it’s going to be lonely. They like to give me shit about always being busy and dragging them all over the place, but it’s because they’re my family. Other than Scout, I don’t have anyone else, so as much as I don’t want to crash their couples' vacation, I’m already regretting not going.
Scout knocks on the open door and leans in. “Hey, I thought I’d find you here. I showed Abbie to your office when you’re ready.”
