The Pretend Boyfriend novel Chapter 43

Karen continues, "My client is an upstanding member of the community. He is from a very prominent family which has contributed plenty to the state of Illinois. He is the CEO of a large advertising firm which has done campaigns for the mayor himself. His only crime is promiscuity, and when I last checked, that wasn't a punishable offence. Ask yourself this, officers. Why would a handsome, successful and wealthy young man like Brian Morton who has practically every single woman and quite a few married ones throwing themselves at his feet ever has the need to rape someone?"

Officer Cutter clears his throat. "I have been in this profession, Ms. Sandler, for more than twenty years. I have met mild-mannered fathers, respected university professors, prominent businessmen, and even famous political figures who have all in some manner or other been convicted of raping someone - even when 'they have no need to' for sexual release.

"The psychology of rape is a complex beast, involving many cognitive and emotional factors. But the majority of rapists aren't sexually frustrated middle-aged men prowling in alleys. In fact, most of them are outwardly what you would consider normal people."

"I am not a rapist," Brian says between his teeth.

"We will be investigating the case," Officer Cutter says, standing up and collecting his case notes. "Meanwhile, bail will be set at a hundred thousand dollars."

"What?" Karen splutters. "Officer, my client has never committed any offence before - "

"Your client is a man of considerable means, as you rightly pointed out, Ms. Sandler." He turns to Brian, still seated. "I trust you will be posting bail easily enough. And don't skip town."

It takes a while to mobilize a hundred grand, especially on a Sunday. Even for Brian Morton. And especially when he doesn't want to involve his uncle. But when they finally do, it's already Monday afternoon. Brian has spent the entire night in jail.

When he comes out, he's unshaven, cranky and sore. His eyes are bloodshot. Caleb and Sam are waiting for him in the reception area of the police station.

Sam immediately hugs Brian. He hugs her back readily enough, but she can feel a reticence - a mild pulling back.

"I didn't do it," he says to both Caleb and her. He doesn't meet their eyes.

Her heart sinks.

When she heard about the 'rape' yesterday, she couldn't believe her ears. "What?"

"I know," Caleb says soberly. "I didn't believe it myself either."

"Brian would never rape someone."

"That's supposed to be my line."

"I mean," Sam is so indignant that she has difficulty forming her words, "he doesn't have to!"

"You're preaching to the choir."

Cassie's mouth is sewn up in a tight purse. Then she speaks, "How much do you really know about him anyway, Sam?"

"Oh come on," Caleb says. "I know you don't like him - "

Brian hugs Caleb next. "Thanks for bailing me out."

"Hey, it's your money. I only made a couple of phone calls."

"It was more than a few phone calls, Cal, and you know it."

"I did it so you'll never bring up the incident of the under-aged hooker again."

Brian laughs.

Sam smiles. It's good to see him recover his spirits ... slightly.

"So do I get to go home, or are the CSI still dusting the place for fingerprints and blood spatter?' Brian says.

"They've finished," Caleb says. He puts his arm around the taller man's shoulders. "Come on, let's get you home."

Brian's lounge is a mess. The police have left everything the way it was, and their shoes have trampled everything they can possibly trample outside the 'ring of investigation'. Sam takes in the broken glass table, the sprawled lampstand and the shredded curtains. The silk bathrobe has been appropriated by the police for evidence.