*Knock Knock*
“Hey Heather? May I come in?”
“Yes dad.”
“Hey, honey. How are you feeling?”
“Sick. Gross.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, babes. Can I talk to you about something?”
“What is it?”
“Well, I believe now is a better time than ever. My papers. My secret that you wanted to know. I’m here to tell you. It’s time.”
I could actually see a little smirk on her face. I wasn’t sure if that was possible just yet.
“I’m ready dad.”
“Okay. It started with a lunchroom fight between Jordy Jason and me. It was senior year of high school. He believed that he was meant to be with mom. So, he would call me names. That day I snapped. I broke a tray across his head, and he swung back at me. I was pulled away before too much damage could be caused. From there on out, he attacked mom with the verbal insults as well. I haven’t seen him since we went to university. Mom never got off easy and that started with Mr. Gladys. Your mother’s incident was on August 6th. You were still a newborn. Mom left for the grocery store and never came back. I was so worried. I got a letter from my friend and the Vanetta-Tope police chief that my wife was found dead in a motel room. Strangulation. The room was booked by a ‘Mr. Louis Gladys’. That famous stockbroker. Thanks to eyewitnesses and neighbors coming forwards after all this time, my friend Harry O’Keefe, who is also my lawyer, and I confirmed a story. He caught up with her at the grocery store, and I don’t mean the nice, talk caught up. He followed her around the store and when she got to her car, she was chloroformed and pushed in. Presumably taken to this motel where she was dragged inside. Woken up. And she was raped by him. Afterwards, strangled. I raised you all on my own and have distrusted him my entire life since mom was found dead. That’s why I hate Mr. Gladys. Even more now, knowing that he did the same thing to you.” So, some evidence has come up recently and that is why I have been so much busier with paperwork at home. I’m currently settling a court case against Mr. Gladys for the sinful disgusting act on your mother. Last night before you had come home, I received a document from Harry about the case. We finally received the DNA evidence from Elle’s body that night. Arizona State police finally got it to us from the VTPD after way too long. The documented DNA evidence confirms that Louis Gladys had a name change at the age of 19. His old name is Jordy. Jordy Jason. The famous businessman and stockbroker is the same jealous kid from high school. I haven’t seen him since then, I don’t know what he looks like now. I need to see him. His disgusting face to my face. I don’t know how he hides his identity and name change from the mainstream media, but he’s got money, and money equals power in this fucked up world. It makes me absolutely furious knowing that the irrelevant jealous kid who used to pick on us murdered your mother and sexually assaulted both of you.”
“Dad... I-I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It was the right time to tell you. I’m the one who is sorry. If I knew his deception, I could’ve stopped what happened with you.”
“Dad, it’s not your fault!”
“I was careless, honey. I promise I won’t make that mistake again. Your mom, I had no control of. But this, I feel like I could’ve done something, at least.”
“Dad please stop.”
“The corruption in our local police worries me. But I have to take you down to the station. Someday you’ll understand, honey. I’ll make sure you’re avenged, Heather. The Gladys’ will get what’s coming to them. I love you. Come talk to me if you need to or if you just need a hug. I’m here.”
I hugged my daughter. My one and only daughter. She’s safe. Luckily. I have to make sure she is safe forever. Jordy or Louis or whatever the fuck his name is, will pay. The case is a few days after graduation, and I intend to fully win this and sentence him to every punishment he deserves.
5
Today is going to be a hard day. As soon as Heather’s ready, we’re gonna go down to the station. It’s not far but I’m very nervous. Not because of the situation, mainly because the VTPD has failed me in the past and present. I mean, it took how many years just to get DNA results. Heather came downstairs and we left. She was silent in the car, which I can understand. I want to get her the help she deserves. And you would think the police would be the most willing to do so. We’ll find out. I want to help Heather.
Arriving at the police station gave me too many bad memories. It immediately reminded me of when Elle passed. My sadness turned to anger, quickly. However, I kept my cool and walked in with Heather. The place was empty so they should be able to take the incident up front. I walked up to the desk officer.
“Hi sir, how may I help you!”
“Hello, I’d like to report an incident.”
“Okay sir, I can serve you. Can you provide me with your ID?”
I handed him my ID. He looked at it and it seemed like a quick burst of worry came across him.
“Okay, Mr. Hendricks, what are you reporting today?”
“A sexual assault on my daughter here. Her name is Heather Hendricks. The assault was conducted by Mr. Louis Gladys
