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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herself on the couch, which still held its elegant flair despite the wear and tear she’d inflicted upon it. She leaned over and grabbed the glass of wine that had been sitting on the coffee table and down it in one

I promise you, I

looked at me through her bangs, her red stained lips twisted harshly. “Help me?

“Linda, you were right about Mr. Erickson. He targeted you, just as he did with other women in the

widened, and a look of fear flashed across her face. “You’re saying you believe me now?

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

wine before realizing her glass was empty. With a lazy grunt, she

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

it reached the brim. “Suit yourself. Suppose you need your

we can expose the truth and make sure he can’t harm

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

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

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Chapter 203

fought back a gag. “Does he

as well be.” As she moved to sit up, she stumbled slightly and spilt some wine on the couch cushion. The red wine bled right into

Evie Sinclair…Our careers are ruined. Speaking up won’t change

It’s not just about us; it’s about all the women who have suffered. We can make a difference. We can hold

she sipped pensively on her wine. I glanced briefly at the door, wondering if

do you even need from me,” Linda said finally. She wiped her lips on the back of her

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

cupped the glass in her hands and swirled it around, as if it would produce an answer. I stood up and walked toward her, reaching

stir the same determination and hope that had ignited within me. Despite all that happened, she had endured so much in that

finally spoke up, her voice trembling. “Okay, so let’s say that I write

testimony will be crucial. We’re in this together, and we’ll do everything in our

in mine, and shook her head. Tiredly, she rolled her eyes

desk, which had various items tossed all

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

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her, releasing her hand. “Thank you, Linda. I

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groaned and began waving me away, already drawing herself from the conversation. “Now, go

justice was gaining momentum. The culture of silence and complicity