Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108905 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108905 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“The trauma of reporting a rape often forces a survivor’s hand when making the decision to go to the authorities. Our first educational program, which launches this spring, will host department heads and special committees from twenty police precincts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens—”
A roar of applause rose up at the announcement, covering the end of Neil’s sentence. He nodded along with them, clearly containing a huge grin that would burst out when he was no longer trying to be professional. When the clapping died down, he continued, “Facilities for temporary safe relocation of victims of domestic violence will open in February—” More applause interrupted him. “And counsellors will be available for on-going one-on-one and group therapy, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
“These are just a few of the services this foundation will provide, and I am committed to seeing these help women, men, teens, and children, regardless of race or the sex they were assigned at birth. It is my hope that we may well change the way rape and sexual abuse are treated and reported in New York City. Perhaps, with your generous donations, we may provide an example to the rest of the world. Thank you all for coming, and please, enjoy your evening.”
He turned away from the microphone as everyone continued to applaud, and he made a beeline for me. I managed to step up on my tiptoes and tell him, “That was amazing. I’m so proud of you!” before well-wishers overwhelmed us. People shook Neil’s hand and complimented my dress. They praised him for being so candid about his experience and thanked him for sharing it. A reporter asked him a couple of quick questions, and Neil managed to disengage by promising a full interview later. The band started up again, launching into an upbeat tune that pulled people to the dance floor and gave us a moment’s respite to get a few words in to each other.
“Is it just me, or are your cheeks really sore, too?” I said in a low voice, my aching smile still frozen on my face.
“It’s just you. I’ve never been more inclined to smile in entire life.” Neil looked down at me, his eyes wet. They were tears of joy, I could tell. He blinked them back, but I was so glad to see them. They were such a beautiful change from his tears of pain I’d become used to.
“I’m so proud of you.” I wouldn’t kiss him, because I didn’t want to leave a lipstick print. But I reached up and brushed my thumb across his cheek, and it was a suitable stand in.
I wouldn’t even point out all the many occasions in our personal life when he’d had plenty of reason to smile. Like our wedding day, for example. I would tease him about that later.
A figure in a black dress cut a line through the crowd, headed straight toward us. It was Penny, flushed, her hairline glistening with sweat. Her dress was rumpled, or maybe it just looked that way from how she was holding it up to avoid stepping on it as she practically jogged across the floor.
“Penny?” I asked, and she handed me my phone, her eyes wide.
“I’m so sorry. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to miss the first call. They were only ten minutes apart, but I feel terrible. Just really—”
“Calm down, Penny,” Neil said gently.
“Yeah, it’s just a phone call.” I slid my thumb across the screen.
Presbyterian Hospital?
The same number lit up my screen, and I answered. “Yes?”
“Is this Sophie Scaife?” the voice on the other end asked brusquely.
I looked up uncertainly at Neil, then turned my attention back to the phone. “Yes, it is. Who is this?”
“This is Officer Sue Granger with the NYPD. You were listed as an emergency contact in Emma Van der Graf’s cell phone. We’re going to need you to come down to Presbyterian Hospital as soon as possible.”
“Wait, I don’t…I don’t understand. What’s happened?” I asked, and Neil reached out as if to take the phone from me. Which was exactly what I didn’t need, because he would freak out and it might be nothing.
“Ms. Van der Graf has been in an accident. We need you to come down.” She paused. “You might want to contact her family.”
“I am her family,” I said, my lips numb. There was a buzzing noise in my head. “I mean, we’ll be there.”
I hung up and turned to Penny. “Get into my email and search my contacts. You’ll find a number in there for Valerie Stern. Tell her to go to Presbyterian Hospital immediately.”
“Sophie, what’s happened?” Neil’s eyes were so wide I swore I could see his panicked pulse in them.
“It’s Emma.” My chest tightened. I barely had enough breath to get my next words out. “She’s…there’s been an accident.”