Chapter 20

*James*

After spending all day Sunday in bed with Livie, I was not ready for Monday. After Liv left for work, I dressed and went down to the police station to meet Travis. He argued it was better to go in voluntarily to address the allegations rather than waiting to be called in. I was off until my next rotation on Wednesday, unless the admins recommended I be suspended temporarily while this whole mess is sorted out. Travis was waiting outside the station when I pulled up. Each hand held a cup of coffee and offered me one. “Thought you could use this. I’m guessing you haven’t had much sleep.”

“Way to keep it classy, Trav.” I rolled my eyes, but appreciated his light mood, especially after his reaction on Friday.

“You think this is bad, wait til poker night.” He slapped his big hand on my back. “Come on, brother. Let’s do this.” Travis pulled open the door leading into the station, and after speaking to the desk clerk, we were escorted into a private room. It had three chairs and a table, presumably used for interviews of various sorts.

After a brief wait, the door swung open and a man wearing a weathered suit, reading a file, strode in. “Gentlemen,” finally looking up at us, “I’m detective Shepherd. Thank you both for coming in voluntarily, today.” Travis and I stood to shake his hand before the three of us took our seats. “Let me start, Dr. Wilson, by clarifying that you are here of your own free will, you are not being detained, and are free to leave at any time. At this time, you have been named in an official complaint alleging a non-consensual sexual relationship with a minor.”

“Yes, I was informed that an allegation was made that I engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor. My attorney recommended, and I wholly agree, to work together with the police to resolve this matter. I am not currently, nor have I ever been, in a non-consensual sexual relationship with anyone - minor or not.” The thought of taking advantage of any young girl makes my stomach turn, and I was working hard to contain my anger.

“Dr. Wilson, you may or may not be aware that in complaints of this nature, involving child victims who are unable to consent, the victim does not need to file the complaint. The complaints can be lodged by the victim’s legal guardian. This is because while the victims are not legally able to consent, often we see the victims are unwilling to make a formal statement against the perpetrator. This can be from threats or a misguided desire to protect their abuser.” Detective Shepherd’s expression remained stoic.

“Yes, sir. Um. Detective. I understand. As an emergency medicine practitioner, I have dealt with my fair share of abuse cases, and I understand the severity of this situation and how victims can come to defend their abusers.” The detective remained silent. Thankfully, Travis prepared me for this situation, as silence is a tactic used to get interviewees to talk. Silence makes people uncomfortable, so they fill the silence by rambling.

“Detective Shepherd,” Travis jumped in, “Dr. Wilson is a respected member of the community, donates his time to work with victims of DV and runs a grief support group in his spare time. There has never been a whisper of misconduct directed towards Dr. Wilson. I understand you have a job to do, and we want to help, but what evidence do you have to substantiate these allegations? If any at all?” Something in Trav’s tone seemed to reach through to the officer.

He took a deep breath, tossed the file on the table, and leaned back. “You had regular access to the victim from a very young age. I understand the two of you are engaged in a personal relationship now and she is employed by your brothers’ company, giving her even more reason to protect you. And we know that abuse victims also tend to become abusers themselves.” His words made my blood run cold.

“I have never hurt Liv. Never.” I spat the words at him through gritted teeth. “We didn’t have any sort of intimate relationship until she became my wife. Three days ago. I know you have a job to do, but I’m not going to be railroaded, either.”

Trav jumped up. “I think we’re done now. Detective, please call if you have anything substantial to discuss.” He opened the door and looked back, realizing I was still in my chair. I slowly stood, holding eye contact with Detective Shepherd.

Outside, Travis followed me to my car. “James!” I kept walking, afraid I might hit something or someone. “James! What the fuck is he talking about?!” I stopped dead in my tracks, clenching and unclenching my fists. The weight of today’s revelations crushing me. I turned to face my friend, but struggled to meet his eyes. Shame and rage and grief crashed over me like waves after waves. “Talk to me, man.” Trav’s voice was almost pleading.

“I don’t understand how he could know. Those records were sealed.” Panic roared over every other emotion. “Oh god, Travis. I did not touch her.” My hands flew to my head as the gravity of my confession struck like lightning.

“Dude, I know. You worship that woman. I’ve seen abusers and I’ve seen victims who defend and protect the same people who turned them into victims. That’s not you two.”

I turned away and closed the distance between me and my car. The only means of escape right now.

“James.” I stopped again, but was unable to look back at him. “I’m here when you’re ready. Nothing you say will change my view of you, or the respect I have for you.” With my eyes closed, I waited another beat before I continued to my car, climbing in and pulling away.

*Livie*

“Hey sister!!” Beth’s voice squealed through my phone. “It’s so amazing you’re really my sister now!” I pulled the phone from my ear until the squealing stopped.

“Hi, Beth!” There was no amount of mental preparation that would shield me from the onslaught that was forthcoming. Beth was going to demand to know why we eloped. How we eloped. Where we eloped. Why wasn’t she included? The list goes on and on.

“Listen, I know you can’t talk, and honestly, I just have a minute before Trav gets back. I need to give the appearance of working, BUT I’m giving you one week. Then you owe me a night with dinner and details. Oh no, Trav is back. Gotta go. Love you! Byee!”

The call ended before I could process what she said, much less respond. At least I have a week to prepare. As I pulled out another contract to get started on my office phone rang again.

“Olivia Johnson’s office.” I offered my standard greeting, focusing on the document in front of me.

“Miss Johnson?” The voice on the other end sounded unfamiliar, yet confused.

“Yes, this is her. How can I help you?” I looked away from my computer monitor, waiting on the caller’s response.

“I’m sorry for my confusion. I was under the impression you had recently married.” I was still trying to place the voice and why he would know I was married.

“Oh yes, it’s so new, I guess I forgot! That’s terrible! I didn’t forget I was married. I guess I forgot I have a name!” My voice came out too giddy, and I felt my face flush. “I’m sorry. Who is this?”

“Right, um, my name is Detective Carl Shepherd. I am looking into a complaint filed, um, on your behalf, actually. I would like to set up a time to meet and possibly take your statement.” Dread swooped down, stealing the joy I let myself feel over the past few days.

“Yes, of course. I can come by in the morning, if that works for you.” Clenching my teeth, I blinked back tears. “I’m assuming you’ve already met with my husband, then?” It was startling how quickly my voice went from elated to emotionless and cold.

“Um, yes. I met with Dr. Wilson earlier today. Tomorrow at nine would be great. This is completely voluntary, but you are welcome to bring your attorney.” His voice wavered just enough to confirm that things did not go well with James.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you, detective.” I placed the phone back in its cradle and desperately wished I could quiet my racing thoughts. Two hours later, still on the same contract, I admitted defeat, turned off my computer and packed up to go home.

I parked in the driveway, shut off the engine, and leaned my head back against the headrest. The joyous memories of the last few days flooded my mind, then I tucked them safely away and prepared for battle. Nick was fierce, but I was a warrior.