The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 203

* 076% 11:13

O

+5

The drive to the location Linda had provided was filled with anticipation and anxiety. I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible strength and resilience Linda had shown by agreeing to share her painful story with me. It was

a testament to her courage and her desire to heal and find closure.

As we pulled up to the address, I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the difficult conversation that lay ahead. My interactions with Linda had already revealed the depth of her suffering, and I knew that there was

more to her story that she had yet to share.

Timothy and I found ourselves outside Linda’s door, and I reached to knock lightly on its peeling surface. A long minute passed, and Timothy looked at me, still hesitant about the whole thing. He didn’t get to voice his concerns too soon, because the door creaked open and a head of messy, blonde hair peeked out. I couldn’t help but notice the disarray behind her. The whole place was out of order, with papers and personal items strewn about. It was a stark contrast to the well–kept woman that I’d seen previously, who wouldn’t even let a hair out of place unless it was purposeful.

“Linda, hi,” I said carefully, forcing a smile.

She lifted her head, revealing pale, skeptical eyes that shifted from me to Timothy. Her solemn expression

quickly turned sour. “Why is he here? I thought we were meeting one–on–one.”

I could sense the tension in the room, and Timothy grunted uncomfortably, looking to me for assistance. I quickly intervened, my voice calm and empathetic. “Linda, I apologize for the surprise, but Timothy is here as moral support. He promised to wait outside though, so we could discuss things privately.”

She glared at him once more, still cowering behind the door. I suppose her last interaction with him hadn’t been so pleasant, although she had initiated the hostility. Her long nails dug into the door, leaving crescent marks in the aging paint, and she sighed heavily.

“You may come in,” she told me, avoiding Timothy’s gaze.

“I can wait out here,” Timothy decided.

I turned to him and tapped his arm reassuringly. “We won’t be long.”

When I stepped into Linda’s apartment, the atmosphere was tense and filled with unspoken words. She allowed me inside but firmly shut the door, creating a barrier that made me feel slightly cornered. Timothy was right

1/5

LAST CALL

SEMANA

0X

VIVARA

Emergency calls only

Chapter 203

outside the door though, so that was slightly helpful.

076%) 11:13

she’d inflicted upon it. She leaned over and

voice low. “Linda, I promise you, I come in peace. I want

stained lips twisted harshly. “Help me? How

breath, I took a seat beside her, though I kept my distance. “Linda, you were

across her

unwavering. “Yes, Linda. I believe you, and I want to seek justice for what you’ve been through. I’m sorry that I was so blind,

glass was empty. With a lazy

of her apartment, I wasn’t sure anything was safe to consume. I shook my head

off the counter and filled her glass, not stopping until it reached the brim. “Suit yourself. Suppose you need your wits

hoping we can expose the truth and

sauntered back into the living room. If nothing else, she still had her practiced

she said, leaning over the couch opposite of me. “He knew I wouldn’t say ‘no‘ to the success, and

2/5

LAIT BULL

SEMANA

OX

VIVARA

* 076%

076% 11:13

Chapter 203

her words and fought back a gag. “Does he think he’s running a harem

wine on the

careers are

“Linda, it’s not too late for justice. It’s not just about us; it’s about all the women who have suffered. We can make a difference. We can hold him accountable for his actions and ensure that others won’t have to endure what you and I went

pensively on her wine. I glanced briefly at the door, wondering if Timothy was still waiting behind it, or if he’d gone back

finally. She wiped her lips on the back of her hand and looked in my direction. “What

statement from you, fi you’d be willing. You don’t

from annoyance to resignation. She cupped the glass in her hands and swirled it

Despite all that happened, she had endured so much in that office, and I couldn’t stand by and watch her suffer in

voice trembling. “Okay, so let’s say that I write

you. Your testimony will be

in mine, and shook her

on her desk, which

up,” said Linda. “Don’t expect

“|

3/5

SEMANA

VIVARA

Emergency calls only

Chapter 203

076% 11:13

of it is enough,” I assured her, releasing her hand. “Thank you, Linda. I really appreciate

+5

drawing herself from the

was gaining momentum. The culture of silence and complicity that had allowed individuals like Mr. Erickson to thrive was beginning to