Ruining You by Nicole Reed Read Free Book Online

teacher on school grounds, it falls to
state prosecution. From this point forward, you will only discuss the case with
either Agent Morris or me. Should you be contacted for any questions regarding
the case, you will state ‘no comment’ and refer them back to me. Do you
understand, Miss Stevenson?”
    “Yes, Sir,” I answer back.
The tone of his voice is stern. I really don’t think I have a choice.
    “We have your recorded
testimony, but we have a few more questions. First off, do you remember ever
hearing who recorded your conversation with Bruce Branch?
    Clearing my throat, I say,
“No, I never did hear who did.”
    “We were able to connect the
message back to the original phone number it was sent from; however, that
person states their phone was stolen that same day. They also have an alibi of
where they were during that time period. We really need to find who sent that
text message.”
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Reeves, but
I have no idea who recorded it. Not to mention, I’ve been here a majority of
the time since that day.”
    “In your interview, you did
say that you didn’t save any letters or flowers that he sent you. Is that
correct?”
    “Yes, Sir. I did not keep
anything.” My stomach clinches at the thought.
    Mr. Reeves looks at me like
he’s slightly annoyed. I roll my eyes and try to get comfortable in my chair.
    “I realize that I may be
boring you, Miss Stevenson, but I assure you that the questions I ask you will
be a large factor in your case. I understand that you previously stated that
you refuse to testify. Is this still correct?”
    Looking down, I answer,
“Yes.”
    “Well, I want you to think
about this. I believe you are old enough to understand our judicial system.
Georgia, unlike most states, uses the term ‘statutory rape’ to describe
unlawful sex with a minor. Anyone found guilty of this crime faces very serious
prison time.” Clearing his voice, he continues. “Of course, it can be more
difficult to get a conviction for statutory rape in Georgia than in any other
state. The reason is because a pure he-said-she-said type of case is not
sufficient evidence. We need additional evidence, such as the eyewitness that
taped the entire conversation between yourself and Mr. Branch. Unfortunately, a
dark and grainy video with limited visibility doesn’t cater to our needs. It
would be rational to say, without your testimony, no matter how compelling the
case, that it is not sufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
    I gasp at his words and
reply, “I just can’t do it.”
    “Then, he will more than
likely walk out of that courtroom a free man.”
    “Jay,” Agent Morris says in
her soft voice, “you still have time to think about it. Why don’t I come back
to visit you in a couple of weeks?”
    Just wanting to get rid of
them, I answer, “Yes, that will be fine. I’m not feeling well. Please excuse
me.” I stand and walk out of Dr. Raines’s office, straight to the bathroom.
Feeling the acidic vomit back up in my throat, I lean over the toilet and empty
my stomach. I fall to my knees, and I am unable to stop the tears. They fall
freely down my face, and silent sobs rack my body as my mind races.
    I refuse to think about
testifying against him or even being in the same room as him. The thought of
talking about what happened in front of my family and my friends causes my body
to jerk in revolt. I just can’t. Ever.

 

     

     
    My skin crawls when I listen
to her ask the same question again, the one that she has asked me in our
meetings since day one.
    “Can we talk about the rape,
Jay?” Dr. Raines asks in hushed tones.
    “I’ve told you what
happened. I’ve told the police what happened. I think I’ve talked it to death.
It happened. The end. Well, not for me I guess.” I laugh at my own little joke.
Looking over at Dr. Raines, I notice she looks highly perturbed.
    “Jay, laughing doesn’t make
it feel better on the inside. I want to know your thoughts