Chapter 1
"Who called this in?" the lead officer asked.
"I did." I produced my ID.
"The suspect, Caden Harlow, male, twenty-six years of age, publicly admitted moments ago to committing an act of s****l violence against his adopted sister, Gemma York, last night, resulting in damage to the victim's vocal cords. All twenty-four witnesses on the premises can testify."
Gemma was sitting on the sofa with half a glass of red wine in her hand, frozen solid, her mouth hanging open in a perfect O.
Caden was fighting like hell to break free. "What the f**k! Touch me and see what happens!" he snarled. "Lydia, are you out of your goddamn mind? This was consensual roleplay! Do you even know what that means?"
I pressed my knee in harder. He let out a howl.
"Officer, the suspect is agitated and showing signs of violent behavior. Requesting the use of handcuffs."
The officers exchanged glances.
Rex Brown finally snapped to his senses and lunged toward me. "
"Lydia Sutton, what the hell is wrong with you? Gemma was joking! Everyone knows how close those two are. So what if she said something a little racy?"
I sidestepped his reach and pointed a finger at his face. "You want to come along too? Obstruction of justice carries up to three years."
Rex pulled his hand back.
Gemma came to her senses and threw herself at the officers in tears. "Officers, it's a misunderstanding, I swear! We were just messing around. My voice is hoarse because I was singing, not because anyone hurt me!"
I pressed play on my phone.
Gemma's voice came through the speaker: "He's such a bad boy behind closed doors. He 'had his way with me' all last night in his room. That's why my voice is gone."
I hit pause. "Under the criminal statutes, the phrase 'had his way with me,' used in this specific context, constitutes a description of non-consensual s****l conduct. She named the time, the location, and the resulting injury. That is a textbook self-reported account of an offense."
I turned to the officers. "I am requesting that the victim, Gemma, be taken to the hospital immediately for a gynecological examination and medical examination, and that any biological evidence be collected."
The color drained from Gemma's face.
"There's nothing to collect!" Caden roared. "I didn't touch her! We were up all night gaming!"
I let out a cold laugh. "A moment ago it was consensual roleplay. Now it's gaming. The suspect's account is inconsistent, which constitutes grounds for serious suspicion. Officer, I'd say that's a problem worth looking into. Please take everyone in for questioning."
Caden was put in handcuffs. As he passed me, he fixed me with a stare that could have drawn blood. "Lydia, you are going to pay for this. You just blew up our engagement party. You better get on your knees and lick my shoes clean, or this wedding is never happening."
I straightened my collar. "Threatening and intimidating a witness is a misdemeanor. Five days and a fine — you all heard that. Five days' detention plus a fine. Officers, you all heard that."
Caden was escorted to the police car. Gemma was sobbing so hard she nearly fainted, supported by a female officer as she was led to another vehicle. Before she disappeared, she turned and fixed me with a look of pure venom.
The remaining guests in the private dining room stared at one another. No one dared say a word.
I picked up my bag and swept the room with my gaze. "Public facilitation of s****l activity is also a crime. I suggest everyone here think carefully about their next move."
I walked out. Behind me came the sound of Rex smashing his glass.
