Timothy - 64. Chapter 64

Saturday morning after breakfast, Stephen and I went to meet the newspaper reporter. Walking into the office, “Tim, how are you?”

“Rich, I didn’t know you worked here. I had a meeting with Robert.”

“You did. When he told me he was meeting you this morning, I asked if I could fill in for him.”

I heard, “Ahem,” “Rich, this is my husband, Stephen.”

I watched Rich’s face when I said that. Rich was one of the boys who teased Donnie and me when we were in school.

“Tim, what were you going to discuss with Robert? He said it was a blockbuster of a story.”

“Do you remember my sister Ann Marie?”

“Not really. I knew you had an older sister, but the sister I remember was Eva, and I think she was a few years older than us.”

“I have an older sister who is ten years older than us. When she was in high school, she was attacked by three boys. I believe more girls were sexually attacked, but it was hushed up. As a reporter, I wanted to ask Robert to investigate this rumor. I’m going after these boys who sexually accosted any girl. Are you interested, or should I meet with Robert?”

“How do you know this? If it is true, then yes, but we can’t print it if it is just a rumor. We would be liable for spreading a rumor.”

“I have a witness, and if you would like to meet this witness, I’ll pick you up at four this afternoon.”

Rich agreed to go with us to meet this witness. Saying goodbye to Richard, Stephen and I drove to the University to meet Benny.

Arriving at the University, we stopped at the guard building and asked if they knew if Bernard was working and could we get in touch with him. The guard, who we spoke to, told us he was working and currently making his rounds. “He should be back in 15-20 minutes, and you can wait for him here.”

We sat and talked with the guard, telling him we were students here. Then it was reminiscent time as we told him about being here, and he told us about some of his experiences.

“He’s coming now.”

“Do you mind if we talk to him in confidence?”

The guard left, we noticed he said something to Bernard as he passed him.

“Bill said you wanted to see me.” Then he recognized me.

“Hello Benny, we need to talk.”

I have never seen someone turn white until now. He sat down, and his face had the look of a man who was about to lose everything.

“Benny, we know who raped my sister, and you are one of the three, along with Bruce and Tommy. I will take you all to court and sue each of you for 2 million dollars. Ann Marie will be there to identify each of you. The fact that all of you have left the city and found new positions is an admittance of your guilt.”

I have never seen a grown man cry until now. I looked at Stephen, and I saw tears in his eyes.

“Benny, there is a way where you can save yourself. If you tell what happened to a newspaper reporter. I won’t sue you, but you must be honest with me. Who’s idea was it to rape Ann Marie?”

“It was Bruce. He had a reputation of getting any girl he wanted, except your sister. Tom was teasing him, telling him the prettiest girl in our class shot him down. After the dance on Saturday, we followed Ann Marie. Bruce talked to her, and we followed. He whispered something to her, and she slapped him. Bruce grabbed her, and they fell to the ground. He tore her dress and raped her as we watched. He made us do it so a sperm test wouldn’t identify him. Tom and I didn’t want to do it, but we were afraid of Bruce.”

“I want you to tell that story to the reporter and at the trial when I sue the other two.”

“Tim, Tom was like me. He didn’t want to do it, but Bruce had a reputation. He had sent a few boys to the hospital. You had two choices with him, either a part of his group or not. If you weren’t, then you were bullied.”

“Okay, today at 4, a reporter will be here for your statement.”

Driving back to the city, “Did you get all of that?

“Yes, if we go to the farm, I can use Randy’s computer and make a written copy.”

“Then I’ll make an edited copy for the newspaper leaving out Benny’s name. You can take an edited copy and give it to Benny, and I’ll have him sign the copy you made from the tape. I’ll need that when I file the papers for the lawsuit.”

We had a few minutes before we had to leave to pick up Rich and head back to the University. Aunt Clara had a piece of apple pie and coffee for us.

Saying goodbye, we headed to pick up Rich