Page 111 of Executive Decision

“Again, what I do personally?—”

“Do you think this is an attempt to discredit her?” Another person shouted.

“I have no idea what this is. I’ve not had time to speak to anyone about it. I am sure she is taking legal action. Thank you. I am done here.”

I stepped back as Jo rushed the podium, shouting over the din. “He said he’s done. There will be no further questions.”

37REACTION TIME

Daphne

The door knockat our cabin up north startled me. I crept up the steps and into a guest room looking over the driveway. I stared at women wearing ball caps—Chloe and Lanie. It wasn’t the press. Instead, my family found me in record time. I did not want to talk to them. So, I rolled up on the floor and prayed they didn’t stick around.

“I see the light is on!” Lanie called, annoyed. “I know you’re fucking in there.

“I can pick locks. It’s one of my skills!” Chloe added. “And we have so many snacks we could wait out here for days. Hope you are prepared!”

Knowing my sister and Chloe, they’d stick around to smoke me out. I debated waiting an hour, but worried they’d only escalate and actually pick the lock. So, tail between my legs, I slunk down the stairs and opened the door.

“Thank God!” Lanie said. “I thought we’d have to wait you out.”

She was more worried about time spent than my well-being, but I suppose it was good she didn’t think I’d actually do something stupid.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“We’re here to return you to Chicago.”

“I’m not going back,” I said. “I have enough in my bank account to survive a couple of weeks until my divorce is signed and my accounts are unfrozen.”

“Why?” Lanie demanded. “I know this is rough and unfair. I know he did this to hurt you, but Daphne, you were just named President?—”

“Davey is going to pull back.”

“Did he tell you that?”

I shrugged.

“Last I heard,” Chloe said, “he was trying to find a way to finesse it.”

“He should. I’m toxic. He says we need to talk about it now. Talk about it means I’m already out.”

Chloe said defiantly, “If my shares matter at all—and I think they do—I am not voting to remove you. You aren’t, either. Nor are your sisters. I don’t see how there are the votes to do it.”

Lanie hugged me. I wanted to fight her, but I couldn’t. It was the first hug I’d had since the morning before—just ahead of my world crumbling. I fought tears, finally breaking down.

“You aren’t toxic.” Lanie rubbed my back. “You are being abused by a man who doesn’t deserve you. He’s toxic. You’re not.”

“I don’t understand how he got away with this,” Chloe said. “Is the video real?”

“It is real,” I said. “He took it one night ages and ages ago. I forgot about it and told him to delete it. He got me very drunk.”

“That is rape,” Lanie said.

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, yes it is,” Chloe said. “Either way, doesn’t that break a law? You didn’t consent to it? It’s revenge porn.”

“And who will prove it?” I asked. “The problem with the UK revenge porn statute is it is almost impossible to meet the burden of proof to even bring charges.”

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