The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 203

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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

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Chapter 203

outside the door though, so that was slightly helpful.

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wear and tear she’d inflicted upon it. She leaned over and grabbed the glass of wine that had been sitting on the

with slow steps, keeping my voice low. “Linda, I promise you, I come in peace. I want to

through her bangs, her red stained lips twisted harshly. “Help me? How can you help me? What do you

I kept my distance. “Linda, you were right about Mr. Erickson.

across her face.

I believe you, and I want to seek justice for what you’ve been through. I’m sorry that I was so blind, too caught up in

before realizing her glass was empty. With a lazy grunt, she hauled herself off the couch

wasn’t sure anything was safe

wine off the counter and filled her glass, not stopping until it reached the brim. “Suit yourself. Suppose you need your wits about you now. I take it your suing him,

hoping we can expose the truth and make sure

slumped, and she sauntered back into the living room. If

couch opposite of me. “He knew I wouldn’t say ‘no‘ to the success, and he certainly wasn’t clear

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Chapter 203

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

slightly and spilt some wine on the couch cushion. The red wine bled right into its creamy surface,

are ruined. Speaking

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

silence stretched between us, and she sipped pensively on her wine. I glanced briefly at the door, wondering if

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

look in her foggy eyes. “I need an impact statement from you, fi you’d be willing. You don’t even have to go into court, because the statement is

She cupped the glass in her hands and swirled it around, as if it would produce an

to her emotions, to stir the same determination and hope that had ignited within me. Despite all that happened, she had endured so much in that office, and I couldn’t stand by and watch her suffer

as she finally spoke up, her voice trembling. “Okay, so let’s

her hand, holding it softly. “It will, Linda, and thank you. Your testimony will be crucial. We’re in this together, and

hand, still enveloped in mine, and shook her

the computer on her desk, which had various items

write something up,” said Linda. “Don’t

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enough,” I assured her, releasing her hand. “Thank

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began waving me away, already drawing herself from the conversation. “Now, go away. You’re cutting into my time.”

feel a renewed sense of hope and determination. The truth could finally come to light, and the pursuit of justice was gaining momentum. The culture of silence and complicity that had allowed individuals like Mr. Erickson to thrive was beginning to crumble, and the promise of change and accountability was on