“Right,” I agree, unable to deny her the request. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

I can tell he doesn’t quite believe me. “We’re not all bad, kid. Actually, most of us aren’t.”

He finds some sort of comfort in that. “Well, if Miss Bradshaw trusts you then I will, too.”

As he starts to write everything down, Liv excuses herself. Walt nods, giving me the go-ahead that he’s okay to look after the kid. I quickly follow, catching up to her just before she can enter the bathroom. Snagging her around the waist I spin her around, and pain slices through me when I see the torment in her eyes. The emotion she’s been holding back breaks free as I pull her against my chest. She sobs uncontrollably, her entire body trembling in despair.

“One of my students.” She cries. “One of my students did this to me.”

My throat burns like a motherfucker, her misery only adding to my unfiltered anger and pain. Taking her face in my hands, I drop my forehead on hers. “It’s going to be okay now. You hear me?” I grind out through clenched teeth. “We got them and every single one of them are going to pay for what they’ve done to you.”

Her small fingers circle my wrist, clenching tightly against my skin. “Promise me,” she chokes. “Promise me you won’t let anything happen to Brandon. He’s scared.”

I trail my lips across her wet cheek, bringing my mouth to her ear. “I promise, Liv, I’ll take care of him. I’m going to make this right if it’s the last goddamn thing I do.”

CHAPTER 28

Olivia

I’m in the middle of making Terrell’s wristband, trying to keep myself busy while I wait for Grayson to return from the station. It’s already late afternoon. He’s been there for hours, far longer than I thought he would be and it has me worried about Brandon. I’ve been having a hard time focusing on anything else. I can’t stop thinking about everything he said. Finding out De’Shawn Miller was one of the men who violated me, and even went as far as videotaping it, has left me overwhelmed with emotions.

I’ve been on the verge of tears all day. The thought of someone recording what was done to me is disturbing to think about, but I’m beyond grateful Brandon had the courage to come forward and tell me. Now we have the evidence to put everyone involved away, and it’s all thanks to Brandon being brave enough to stand up and do what was right.

I know Grayson is upset that he didn’t come forward sooner, but I understand why he was so scared, especially after knowing all I do about Prichard.

Despite Grayson’s opinion about why he waited so long, I know he will take care of him. He’ll make sure he’s treated fairly, something Brandon was very nervous about.

I sigh, sagging back in my chair, my focus on Terrell’s wristband non-existent.

Then there’s Jamal, knowing he was forced by Reggie to do things he clearly did not want to do has me feeling even more despair. His fear of his cousin cost him his life. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for him.

I can tell it’s killing Pap, too. I could see the burden of guilt in his eyes after Brandon told us everything. It breaks my heart to know he carries that with him, even though it wasn’t his fault.

A knock sounds at the door, pulling me from my miserable thoughts. I automatically assume it’s Tania, since we spoke earlier. I told her everything. She was just as stunned as I was but her response was a little more colorful than mine.

However, I’m not greeted by my best friend. My heart stalls in my chest when I open the door to find Mrs. Jenkins, Jamal’s mother. Anxiety rushes through me.

“Mrs. Jenkins,” I manage to say through my dry throat.

Her dark eyes soften. “Olivia. May I come in?”

The thought frightens me, especially after our last encounter, but I could never be rude and turn her away. Her eyes don’t seem to be filled with as much resentment as before.

“Yes, of course. Come in.” I step aside and close the screen door as she enters.

Awkward silence settles over us as she walks further inside, spinning around once she reaches the living room.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I offer, attempting to ease the thick tension.

She shakes her. “No, that’s all right. I won’t be long, but I had to come talk to you, about what happened with my boy.”

Pain strikes her face at the mention of Jamal, and it has my heart clenching tight.

“First, I want to apologize about the way I treated you at the cemetery that day. I was irrational and heartbroken over my son’s death. And at that time I blamed you and your grandfather.”

“It really was a mistake,” I whisper. “We—”

She holds her hand up to ward off whatever I’m about to say. “I know that now. It doesn’t make it hurt any less though.”

I nod with understanding. I’m heartbroken over it, so I can only imagine how she must feel.

“I know the whole story now, about Reggie and all.” Her watery eyes turn hard. “Brandon’s parents brought him by after they left the station. He wanted to apologize and explain…everything. I’m still in shock. Not about what Reggie was capable of but that my boy got caught up with him. Jamal made some bad decisions, but he wasn’t a bad person.” Her voice trails off into a choked whisper as tears begin streaking down her face.

“I know that. I know in my heart who Jamal was. He was a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him. His actions that night do not define him in my eyes, and it never will.”

She nods, her tears coming faster, and it sends the ones I’ve been holding back to break free.

With a hitch of her breath she composes herself as best she can. “I’m awful sorry about what Reggie did to you. I hope you know when I sat behind him in that courtroom it was because I really thought he was innocent.” Her words have my throat growing painfully tight. “It sickens me to know just how wrong I was and what a monster he really is. Not only did my son die by his hands, but he’s inflicted so much more pain on others and you.”

“Yes, he’s hurt a lot of people. But I’m confident he will pay for what he’s done. All of them will.”

Wiping her eyes she nods, silence settling between us once more.

“Well, that’s all I really wanted to say. To let you know how sorry I am.”

I walk her the few steps to the door then put a hand on her arm to stop her from leaving. “Thank you. I appreciate that. And I’m sorry, too. Jamal didn’t deserve what happened to him. I want you to know I miss him very much. He was one of my best students, and I’ll never forget him.”

“Thank you.” The words are expelled on a grieving sob, completely shattering my fragile heart. I’m about to offer a comforting hug but she leaves before I can get my arms around her.

After closing the door, I fall onto the couch and cry, burying my face in the throw pillow. My chest aches, devastation staking its claim. There’s so much pain.

So much heartache.

All because of one human being.

Once I get myself under control, I sit in the heavy silence, trying to absorb everything. It’s so hard not to lose hope in moments like this, but I have to remain strong.

The ringing of my phone drowns out the thoughts running through my head. I quickly reach for it, praying it’s Grayson, desperately needing to hear his voice now more than ever. Looking at the name displayed, I see it’s Tania.

Wiping my drying tears away, I answer, “Hey, what’s up?”

“Olivia!”

I freeze, my veins filling with ice-cold dread when I hear the sheer panic laced in her voice. “Tania. What is it? What’s wrong?”

“You have to come to the hospital, quick,” she cries. “It’s T, they got him. The motherfuckers got him.” She’s screaming and crying so loud I can barely understand her.