A collective sound of gasps emanated from the room. Laney turned to Lexi. “I know what it looked like, but you had assumed the worst. Everything happened so quickly. He said he had a surprise for you that he wanted to show me. We went into my bedroom and the next thing I knew he had pinned me down on the bed and…” Her heaving sobs prevented her from continuing the account of that terrible day. Lexi rushed to her side and held her tight in her arms as her body shook uncontrollably.

Mr. Manning’s breathing was hard as he stalked up to Colton. The muscle in his jaw pulsed. For an older man, he looked fully capable of holding his own.

He rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. “What do you have to say for yourself now, boy?”

Colton opened his mouth, but before he could get the words out, he was pinned to the desk again. A fist slammed into his mouth and I watched the blood drip from it. When he tried to lift his head, it was slammed back down. It hit the surface so hard I thought his skull might crack open.

Somehow, Colton managed to stand up on his feet. He opened his mouth, showing a gaping hole where his front teeth had been. “Yes, we had sex, but it was completely consensual. There is no proof. She’s lying!” Colton slurred his defense as Lexi’s dad grabbed his throat and choked him until his face had turned beet red. I would’ve stepped in, but the sick bastard deserved everything that was coming to him.

Mr. Manning kneeled over him and spoke in a chilling whisper. “Shut up, Colton! You are insulting my intelligence. You not only played my wife and me, you have attacked and tormented my daughters. I’ve had enough and you know that I’m not the type of man who will let you get away with it. You think you’re above the law? Wrong! Your family may have money and powerful connections in this area, but let me remind you who helped your father get his start in politics. He was a piece of shit used car salesman with a gift of the gab who looked good in a well-tailored suit. All his friends and political allies started off as my friends and professional connections. I made that man and I will take great pleasure in tearing him down. I would also remind you that I have had to befriend some very unsavory characters to accumulate the fortune and following I’ve built over a lifetime. Some of these people are so desperate for their next buck that I could make you disappear for a $20 bill! Hell, some of them would do it for the sheer joy in seeing you suffer.”

Colton clenched his jaw, feeling trapped into a corner. I could see him trying to search for a way out of this mess. “She lied and retracted her statement. The case was dismissed because she knew that I never attacked her. The case was dismissed.” He pleaded.

“The case was dismissed… without prejudice. Do you know what that means you stupid fuck?” I chimed in, ready to lay down my trump card.

The room went silent.

I stroked my chin, enjoying the panic in his eyes. “Without prejudice means it can be reopened at the discretion of the District Attorney. Congratulations, Colton, your case has been reopened. Not sure if you remember, but Laney had a rape kit done. Normally a SACEK kit is only held for six months, but fortunately for Laney, the detective assigned to the case ordered an extension. He was afraid that she was being intimidated by the person who attacked her, but he hoped that she would eventually change her mind. You’ll be happy to know that the results of the kit, along with a written sworn statement from Laney was sent to the prosecutor’s office this morning. Don’t think for a second that you’ll weasel your way out of this one. It’s game over, douche! No amount of Daddy’s money is going to buy your way out of this. Here’s the good news. At least one thing in your life won’t change; you still won’t have to pay for your food, clothing or lodging.”

“My family will fight this. Laney is lying and our attorneys will drag her reputation through the mud so bad that she will never feel comfortable in this city again.”

“Your threats mean nothing now. Laney has an appointment tomorrow morning with Deputy Chief Gibson of Atlanta CID. You should also know that he despises those who prey on the weak and he’s not a fan of your father’s either.”

He stared back in shock. “No fucking way. I don’t believe you.”

“Your ass is going to jail, Colton. There may not be any proof of what you did to Lexi, but Laney’s case will be enough to put you behind bars for a very long time. You’ll get a chance to have lots of sex while you are away, just don’t drop the soap in the shower.”

Colton’s nostrils flared. “You guys are all crazy. This is a set-up. I will be out on bail in no time.”

“Right.” I said smugly. “You might want to call your daddy’s attorney. Although, I can pretty much guarantee that it’s not going to do you an ounce of good.”

After what appeared to be a moment of hesitation, I watched Colton rise to his feet and storm towards the door. I charged towards him and yanked him back by the collar of his shirt. “You better listen to every fucking word I’m about to say to you. I think you have underestimated me again. You’re going to jail, motherfucker.”

“Fuck you, pig.” He gritted out. He tried to jerk away, but I gripped his shirt tighter.

“You’re lucky I don’t fucking kill you right now. The only reason why you’re still standing is because you’re not worth the trouble.” I paused, “but know this… if you do happen to make bail—which is doubtful—you’d better never come near Lexi or Laney again. If you do, there will be nothing that will stop me from killing you.”

I pushed him out the door with my free hand and watched him tumble to the ground. He whipped his head around to me right before my foot slammed down on his ball sack. I added extra pressure, crushing hard on his junk. I took a step back and kicked his body down the long, sweeping flight of stairs and watched as he tumbled down over a dozen brick steps.

As Colton laid on the ground, writhing in pain and cupping his balls, probably making sure they were still attached, we watched the sleek black Buckhead police car pull into the driveway. Two young, uniformed men exited the vehicle and approached the house.

“Excuse me,” said one of the officers, “we are looking for a Colton Hunt. We have a warrant for his arrest.”

“He’s right here, gentlemen.” I said, pointing to the pile of human garbage laying at the foot of the stairs.

The other officer let out a whistle and said, “Man, what happened to him?

I peered down at Colton and looked at the officers. “I was walking him outside so you could make your arrest. The poor bastard tripped on the top step and tumbled all the way down the stairs.”

“Wow, that was quite a fall he took.” Noted the first cop, accepting my ridiculous explanation as he gave me a knowing wink and pulled out his cuffs. “Don’t worry Mr. Hunt, we’ll make sure you get some special treatment when you get back to the county jail.”

The officer glanced over at me. “Thanks, Detective Morgan. We’ll take it from here.”

The last thing I heard before I closed the door was “Mr. Colton Hunt. You have the right to remain silent…” And silent he was.