Expensive Favours - Favours Series #1

Chapter 41

We had over a thousand questions. But we answered the important ones. The response showed to be positive, at least 78% of it.

Then there was the official investigation, launched to find the truth in my words and in Francine’s evidence. The two of us and a couple of other people were called to be questioned several times over the week.

I had met with a lawyer and read over my statements. I was glad to have Francine and Viv through this. Belinda too, helped me, albeit only by dressing me in her formal suits. She felt human in those times she brought an outfit to my door. Or got Madeline to.

My father of course tried as well, but for some reason I didn’t want his help. After how our conversation ended in the car, my hunt for closure ended. My need to bring my father back ended too. And suddenly it felt like whatever he wasn’t telling me, was a wall between us. Probably because he finally acknowledged he has more than one secret. I would probably have to wait to find out.

All secrets eventually come out.

My mom called every day, annoyingly enough. Almost as much as Caroline tried to snicker at me. She was a little bitch that one. I am days away from finding blackmail to shut her up.

But if I had to recount the most eventful day of this terrible week, it would have to be on Wednesday. I had been walking out of the bathroom, heading back to the office room where I had to answer another load of questions.

That’s when I saw him come out of the elevator doors. The first thing I thought was, why wasn’t he at school? That was before I noticed the formal suit, the grey tie. Then I thought he was here to give a statement too.

He met my staring eyes and froze. The person next to him, urged him out and when he did step out, he was only a couple of steps away from me.

“Michael?” this grumpy man called.

The boy in question swallowed, sparing him a glance, “I’ll meet you there, I just need to use the men’s room.”

I took my cue to walk away, heading to the room, only to find it empty. I stared out the glass window, admiring the cityscape, and tried to forget the boy who hurt me on this very floor.

Then the door opened, and he walked in.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know you said stay away, but I just had to see you. I wanted to know if you’re okay but they wouldn’t tell me anything. I know I don’t deserve it but…I’m glad you are fine.” He takes in a breath and despite the even staring on both our ends, neither of us look away. There was an air of defiance, rebelling against our own rules.

“…And I hope this works. I won’t trouble you again.” Just like that he disappears, leaving me to wonder what he meant by each of his words.

When my lawyer walked back in, she explained exactly what he meant. He had given himself up. He had told them he was the one who took the video and was responsible for its misuse. They were looking into the matter now but his father, Charles Thompson was pulling strings to keep anyone from throwing him to juvie.