Page 38 of Nothing to Fear

“I can’t express the depth of our sympathy. I’m so sorry.”

“How did you find out?”

“Someone mentioned it to Benedict when talking about the contest. He was appalled, we all were.”

All? Did that mean the Breckenridge boys knew? That Darroch knew?

“I didn’t want it to be a big deal. I have no intention of suing.”

Alice got up to come over. “That is not why I am here.” She took her hand. “I came to offer our sincerest apologies. And to provide any help and support I can. You were offered counselling, is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Did you embrace it?”

Her insides squirmed. How far should she let this go for courtesy’s sake? Honesty was usually the best policy.

“I appreciate you reaching out,” she said, “but talking about it makes me uncomfortable.”

“Of course, I understand, I’m sorry.”

“The only one to blame is the perpetrator.”

“It’s unacceptable that this man is still out there, a risk to others.”

“I agree with you, but I’m not surprised. The world isn’t a just place.”

“Just because it has been, doesn’t mean it always will be,” Alice said. “We have to believe we’ll make a difference. Why do you spend so much time participating in charity events if you don’t believe that?”

“I believe we should do what we can to give back.” The depth of her truth remained hidden. “If I didn’t believe one person could make a difference, I wouldn’t do what I do. That doesn’t lead to me believing wholly in justice. What would happen to him? What should happen? It doesn’t matter. The deck is stacked against women like me.”

“Like you?”

“Women from a lower financial tier, without a relentless support network, survivors of sexual violence. If justice always prevailed, we wouldn’t have inequality and horror in the world.”

Suddenly, the woman lit, like the sun illuminated clarity. “You’re it.”

And now she was self-conscious; she didn’t want to be it… What did “it” mean exactly?

“It?” she asked.

“I should’ve seen it sooner.”

“Seen what?”

“I’d like you to join me in an endeavor, a pet project. A collaboration I’m excited to be involved with.”

“What pet project? I signed up to attend the walkathon already.”

“This is something more involved and more discreet. Still in its infancy.”

“What is it?”

“A friend of mine is building a foundation. She’s tenacious, vivacious, I’m looking forward to working with her. We’re building something that will work hand in hand with Lighting Darkness. Are you aware of Lighting Darkness?”

“Yes, it’s a Breckenridge-led charity that’s grown exponentially over the last fifteen years.”

“Yes, it has, much to our delight. My boys handle most of the management. While we want to keep listening, we also want to give people a voice, victims a voice, survivors a voice.”

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