She looks down at her paper and clears her throat.
“Let me read this press release I wrote. It’s already been sent to the Associated Press and all major news outlets.” She takes a deep breath and reads. “When I was twenty-one, just out of college, I went on an audition that was rumored to make my career. I met a man that needed no introduction. His reputation and name proceeded him. That man was Marty Zebulund.
“I know what I say next will be turned against me. I know I can’t stop people thinking the worst of me. I know all I can do is tell my truth. But here it is: Marty Zebulund assaulted me. He touched me and sexually abused me even after I clearly told him ‘no.’
“I have no way to prove this. It happened four years ago. I’ve shared the details in a police report. I waited so long because I thought my voice didn’t matter. I thought that nobody would believe me or if they did, it would be swept under the rug. I’m hoping not for justice, because Marty Zebulund has made it clear that he holds the power in this town, instead, all I hope is that I can give courage to men and women who are being abused to come forward and say enough is enough.”
My face is almost touching the TV, I’m so close. That brave, beautiful woman. Her biggest fears. Coming forth, revealing her hand. She’s done too much.
“Marty Zebulund wants me to come and work with him. I’m sure my life will be ruined after this. More than that, he hurt the man I love.”
Behind me my mother gasps a little “Oh.”
“This is my official notice of rejection, Marty Zebulund. I will never work for you. I will never stop finding ways to reveal your true character. I will uncover how you blackmail everyone around you. I know you have officials in your pocket. I don’t have any way of proving that. Not yet. But I’ll never stop. And if they find my body in the ocean one day, the world will know it’s thanks to you.”
“She’s crazy,” I whisper.
“Your reign over my life is over,” she finishes.
The screen goes dark, but I keep staring at it.
“I can’t wait to meet this woman,” my mother says.
* * *
It takes exactlyone nonstop flight from Omaha to Los Angeles to realize what I need to do.
As soon as the wheels touch down I power on my phone and call Marty Zebulund.
“About time,” he answers.
I close my eyes and swallow back the emotions threatening me. I’m an actor though, so I act. If Zebulund thinks I’m the type of guy who’ll launder money, then that’s the guy I’ll be.
“You were right about everything.”
34
Maggie
I spendmost of the morning in the bath. Partially out of necessity, partially because it just makes me feel better. I alternate between visibility and going Under. After my confession, my phone won’t stop ringing, just as I assumed. I turn it off. The police filed the report but, clearly, didn’t have plans to go further than that. I suspect the paperwork will get “lost.”
Like all the others.
I do feel lighter though. Obviously, physically floating in the water but emotionally too. I’m glad I came forward. I have nothing to hide from the world anymore. I can start the process of moving on. Danny and Russell used their local news connections to get me on the air and apparently I was great for the ratings. So, in my small way, I’ve already helped at least two people.
Danny told me he was proud of me. Russell even hugged me. I smile and sink back Under. Peace is within my grasp, except the ever-present nagging of my broken heart. When Mrs. J. opens the door and lets herself in I’m startled out of my Zen moment. I come back Up before she sees me… or doesn’t see me? She’s spritely today so I can only begrudge her a little when she makes her way to the closed toilet to plop herself down. I scoop some bubbles around to cover myself.
“Please, girly, modesty is long dead and gone.” She flicks a bubble clump at my face. “But I’m not. Get dressed. I need to run an errand.”
“I can’t leave the house.”
“And I can’t live without my medication.”
Well, boo.
Not twenty minutes later she’s directing me somewhere. We passed the closest pharmacy five miles ago.
“Give it up. Where are we going?”
