Chapter 4

“Bette? Hey guys”

“Hey Jodi.” Bette was sitting at her desk writing up reports. She met Jodi a few years ago. She was one of the counsellors at the Rape Crisis Centre. A lot of their victims are referred to that centre. It was one of the best and largest ones in the district.

“Can I talk with you for a second?” She looked around at the packed squad room. She gave Alice a friendly nod and half smile and turned her attention back to Bette. “Alone?”

“Sure.” Bette got up and placed her hand on the small of her back, guiding her to a private room, “Everything ok?”

“Yeah.” She smiled. She contemplated whether she should tell Bette or not. She was torn between privilege and ethics. The women left it up to her so she opted to talk to Bette about it. “I think that there might be a serial rapist out there.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I have five women at the centre with the same story.”

Bette sighed heavily, “Talk to me.”

“Their stories match almost to every detail. Smell, things she says. He’s cocky too.”

“What makes you say that?”

“He drinks some expensive wine as a toast to them.”

“How come they never reported it?” Jodi looked at her like the answer was obvious, “Yeah.” Bette sighed.

I did get them to go to the hospital though. Jodi started. “Rape kit was positive for fluid and hair. I still have the results. I can give you them but on one condition.” She offered.

“What’s that?”

“The girls don’t testify.”

“Jodi I don’t know.”

“Bette it’s the only way they allowed me to come down here.” Jodi pleaded.

“Well would they agree to come in at least? Give a statement?” Bette sensed Jodi’s hesitance. “Jodi it’s the only way we can catch this guy. DNA alone won’t get us a conviction.”

Jodi got up from the chair and paced the floor a few time torn. Her clients trusted her and she wanted to protect them. She walked to the door and turned before leaving, “I’ll talk to them. But I won’t force them.”

“Sure. It’s totally up to them.”

“Thank you.” Jodi said before leaving Bette alone in the room.