Junior Year Box Set

“Virtual Private Network. It secures your computer’s Internet connection to guarantee that all of the data you’re sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes,” Frank explained.

“Like you.”

“Yes, like me,” he admitted.

Frank had one his helpers take my phone and install the software needed on both my phone and tablet.

While that happened, the catering people set up a spread at the back of the room. I started to understand why it cost so much to handle a crisis. I was almost glad Range Sports had to pay for them nearly killing me because I needed the extra money. Clearly, if this went on for any length of time, I’d be broke.

I got my phone back, and Frank had me send another text. We checked, and this one didn’t display on their laptop. That is, it did show that I was logged into a secure VPN, but it also indicated that the message was encrypted; it couldn’t be read.

◊◊◊

When it was time for the press conference, I for the most part just read a prepared statement. Ms. Dixon handled most of the question-and-answer session, while Frank gave background and did a video presentation of who I was. Frank had a laptop set up on the table that his staff kept sending updates to. Ms. Dixon finished with a flourish.

“What concerns me is, in our fast-paced environment, a lot of harm can take place to damage people’s reputation before the facts are out,” Ms. Dixon said. “Rumor goes worldwide before truth has a chance to put its pants on.”

Ms. Dixon said she expected the case would be straightened out ‘in a matter of days, not weeks.’ She pleaded with the public not to leap to conclusions before all the evidence had been presented.

“We completely agree that the allegations are grave, but at this point, that’s all they are, allegations. A tremendous disservice has been done to this young man’s reputation, and whoever leaked the information should be held accountable. Many people will never look at my client the same way again, based solely on rumor and innuendo. Once the facts get out, you’ll see the alleged charges have no basis in truth.”

After that statement, Frank stopped the press conference. He promised the media they would have more tomorrow, and we were hustled out of the room.

We drove back to Tom’s offices and used the conference room. My mom and dad were already there. We invited Tom and Kendal to sit in on the debriefing.

“Today was the beginning. I think we accomplished what we wanted, and our message was well received,” Frank said.

“They destroyed the buffet,” I said to lighten the mood.

I for one was already tired of the drama. I knew if I could just sit down with Pam, we’d work it out. For Frank and Ms. Dixon, this was a job. For me, this was my life. I needed to take control of this and get what I wanted.

“I want a meeting. For me, this can’t end soon enough. I don’t think anyone believes the police investigation is going anywhere. This is simply Cal showing he can hurt me. I doubt Pam has any say in what’s happened to this point. If she and I could talk, we could solve this,” I said.

“Has it been confirmed that Cal is not representing Pam?” Ms. Dixon asked.

“Well, ah, I think so,” Tom said.

My mom’s head snapped around. If Tom had been wringing his hands, the effect would have been complete.

“Who does this firm represent?” Mom asked.

“David,” Tom answered.

“Are you sure about that? I think you need to be clear before you join any more meetings. You are cognizant of the ethical issues involved in something like this?” Ms. Dixon asked.

“Yes. I will personally talk to Roy and Don. They were supposed to talk to Cal today and remind him that we represent you. I’ve just not talked to them yet. And yes, I understand the ethical issues involved. I’ll do everything I can to help David,” Tom said.

“We know you will,” Dad said.

“So, what’s next?” Mom asked to get us back on track.

“I sent over the timeline of David’s whereabouts over the weekend. I walked Detective Kitchens through it and gave him contact information for each person he might possibly want to talk to. I also talked to Bev Mass,” Ms. Dixon said.

Bev was Harper’s mom and the state’s attorney for Cook County.

“Bev said she knows the state’s attorney here, Scott Mason. She’s met him at some of the state conferences and education sessions, so she’s personally acquainted. I guess the governor called her and had a long talk. While they can’t get involved directly, she did feel strongly enough that she called Mr. Mason and conveyed her and the governor’s concerns to him. Mr. Mason told Bev that he had to follow the law and see where the case leads him, which was what he had to say. What he’s now aware of is that you’re not a typical jock he can make an example of.