Timothy - 68. Chapter 68

By the time Stephen got back, I had dinner well underway. Mom and Dad arrived at six, and Mom had a pie with her.

Dinner was like I remembered before Ann Marie arrived at their home. We chatted about what was happening, and it went like this, “Do you remember so and so? They lived across from Mrs. Livingston. You remember her” Stephen said it was local gossip, but for me, it meant life was returning to normal.

Monday morning, breakfast was ready when we arrived in the kitchen. Habits are hard to break. Mom had breakfast ready at 6. Stephen and I had to leave a few minutes before 8 to get to work on time. “Dad, I’ll meet you outside our building at 9:30.”

Walking to work, “Tim, are you taking any of those transcripts with you?”

“Yes, I want to show them to her doctor. I’d like her to see Benny’s transcript, which we made before we picked up Rich.”

“You’ll need to be careful. If you show that to Ann Marie, your mom will be upset as well.”

“Mom will find out sooner or later. I’ll see what Ann Marie’s doctor says.”

Arriving at work, I organized my day. Dad called and said there were leaving. I took my briefcase, told my secretary I’d be back in time for lunch. I met Mom and Dad at the entrance to the parking lot.

“I have a few more pictures of the baby. Eva said there would have the christening in 3 weeks, and I think she wants you and Stephen there.”

“Have her of John give us a call. I’ll need to mark our calendar and tell Stephen.”

“Arriving at the hospital, Mom and Dad headed to meet Ann Marie. I went to meet her doctor.

“Good afternoon, Tim.

“Good afternoon, doctor. How’s Ann Marie today?”

“She’s in a good mood. Do you think your mom and dad could visit more often?”

“I don’t see why not. They usually come up on Friday and stay with me until after today’s meeting.” I thought this was a good sign. I hope what I’m about to ask doesn’t cause a problem.

“Doctor, I have been busy uncovering the facts that have contributed to Ann Marie’s problem. We talked about it before, but here is a write-up of an interview with one of the culprits. After you have read it, let me know if it would help if I showed this to her.”

I watched the doctor’s face as he read the paper I gave him. When he was finished reading, he looked at me. “You are serious about pursuing this.”

“Yes, I have a reporter working on a story for the city’s newspaper. Once the story hits the street, I will institute a legal avenue to make them pay.”

“The authorities aren’t involved?”

“No, in our state, the statute of limitations for this crime expires after 20 years. Then it becomes a civil matter. I’ll get justice for Ann Marie and any other girls who this man had accosted.”

“Let me think about this. If I feel Ann Marie is ready to face this doing our sessions, I’ll show her this report. Are you planning on seeing her today?”

“Yes, my parents are with her now.”

“I’ll walk with you to her meeting room.” I knew he would be monitoring us.

Walking into the room, I looked at Dad. He smiled at me, and Mom was talking about Eva Marie. Ann Marie was smiling as she looked at the photos. I stood there for 5-7 minutes before Ann Marie noticed I was there. She looked at me and smiled. I was shocked and pleased at the same time. I went and kissed her on the cheek, and I received a smile in return.

“Tim, you are missing someone.”

I chuckled, “I’ll bring him the next time I visit.” Another smile.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the years lost, and if Mom and Dad had reacted when this rape first occurred, we would have been friends like Eva, and I are today. We will get there. We had a family chatfest for the first time, and it felt good. Now I need to pull Stephen into this family fest.

Dad drove me back to work, “Dad, Ann Marie’s doctor wants us to increase our visits to two per week. I thought if you drove up earlier on Friday, we could visit her on Monday and Friday. What do you think?”

“Tim, does that mean she is getting better?”

“Yes, Mom. She also wants to see Stephen.”

I knew Mom had more questions, but I’ll let Dad handle them.

We did agree I would contact Ann Marie’s doctor and suggest Friday afternoon and Monday at our usual time.

Later that evening, after Mom and Dad left, I brought Stephen up to date on our visit.

“So she wants to see me?”

“Yes, so the next time we visit, you need to come with us.”

I enjoy it when Mom and Dad arrive for the weekend, but I enjoy it even more when they leave. Our lives return to normal. Mornings are special for me, the morning run, our showers, and our coffees. I have learned these small things matter, at least for me, and I think they do for Stephen as well.

It was Thursday when Rich sent us a draft of the article for the newspaper. Stephen and I read it together (sitting on his lap).

The headline was High School Sex Coverup. As we read, “It has been brought to our attention that 22 years ago, a senior girl was ambushed and raped by three senior boys. A private conversation with one of the young men confirmed that the ring leader had a history of forcing young girls to satisfy his sexual appetite. Currently, a legal suit is pending. If any of our readers have any information leading to this individual’s name or individuals forced to have sexual acts with this individual, please contact Richard Witten at City Journal. All information will be held in confidence.”

“What do you think?”

“It’s an appeal for people to come forward. He needs to add; Legal Action is Pending involving a large sum of money. This Action is being brought by one of the women who these young men accosted.”

“Why add that?”

“Money talks. If any of those girls don’t come forward because they would be embarrassed, they may change their mind if they knew that they could have justice and a monetary reward.”

“I don’t understand. If they do come forward for the money, aren’t they acting like a prostitute?”

“I hadn’t thought about that. But if they had medical problems, like Ann Marie’s, we can reimburse them for any medical costs associated with this harassment by Bruce. I still need to contact Tom, and I’ll offer him the same confidentiality as I did Bennie.”

“Why don’t you ask Rich to check with the high school. When he resigned, he may have told them where he went.”

“Good idea. I’ll pay you tonight for that idea.”

“Hmmmmm.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I’ll tell you tonight.”

Laughing, “Let’s send Rich an email.”