by Vera Roberts
“So, what’s the solution?” Danny asks. “What’s the call to action?”
“There is none. What is going to be done? You have people out here saying Barack Obama was reparations enough, do you honestly think they’re going to read my article and have a change of heart?” I chuckle at the ridiculousness of it. “Please. They don’t care. This article is for those who can’t speak.”
Danny sighs and shakes his head. “You’re going to piss off a lot of people with this.”
My cell phone rings and I see it’s Desiree calling me. “They can get mad at themselves and then figure out why we have an asshole in the White House. I need to take this call.” I wave Danny goodbye before I answer. “Hey Cousin!”
“Hey Robin Roberts,” she teases, “What’s up, Ms. Big League?”
“Please. Not there yet.” I remind her. “What’s up with you?”
“Yo, I have a show out there this week. I was wondering if I could crash with you and Soul?”
I love my cousin but she’s known to roll pretty deep and I’m not entirely sure I want all those people in my house. “How many are you bringing with you, boo?”
“Just me and Alex with y’all, if that’s okay. Only for a couple of days. Baby girl ain’t never been to New York before and I want to show her around.”
“Sure, let me check with Soul but it should be fine.” I’m excited to see Desiree but I’m more excited to see how her career is blowing up. It seems she’s making huge moves and I’m so excited for her.
Her type of rap is different and she’s far from a sexpot like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B., and Nicki Minaj, but Desiree holds her own. With two new collabos with the hottest singers (and rumored couple) – Mia James and Jackson Cade – Desiree can only blow up from here.
“All good, Cousin. I’ll be in later today. Gonna wrap up a few things first here in Cali and head out there. Talk to you, late.”
“Late, Cousin.” I hang up the phone. It’ll be good to see Desiree. Since I moved, we catch up with each other online and texts, but it’s different when we haven’t seen each other in a minute. I forgot how much I missed her.
My desk phone rings and it’s Julie. “Ariana Woodward, speaking.”
“Hey kiddo. See me in my office now. I have a potential assignment for you.” She quickly hangs up.
I’m confused. I just sent Julie my article that I spent all week working on and now she wants me to do something else. Maybe that’s a good sign. Maybe she doesn’t want me to get complacent and she wants me to go further with it.
I grab my notebook and a pen before I head over to her office. I’m excited. Real news and real stories. This is what I’m about. It’s such a distant memory to think I was reporting on gossip on Sista Gal and now I’m doing real news. It’s not how you start but how you finish.
I knock on Julie’s door and she tells me to come inside. I close the door behind me and I sit down at her desk while she’s on the phone with someone else. Julie has the not-so lowkey humblebrag going on. Pictures of her at various White House Correspondents dinners, with dignitaries, and with celebrities grace her walls.
I’m anxiously awaiting Julie to get done with her phone call so we can get into my next assignment. I’m bouncing in my seat trying to contain myself. I can’t wait. This is what I’ve been waiting for.
“Thank you for meeting with me, Ariana.” She hangs up the phone and stretches her arms out before interlocking her fingers. “I wanted to talk to you about the write-up you did about Soul Ellison a few years back.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “That was a mistake. I didn’t do my thorough research and I should’ve interviewed Soul before I wrote the article.”
“Okay,” she said it in the same exasperated tone someone would calmly say fuck you. I think she just did say that to me without actually saying it. “I want you to do an in-depth look at the Ellison dynasty.”
“Oh?” I’m more than confused. “I thought you wanted to talk to me about my article. The one on gentrification and illegal immigration in various forms?”
“Oh, that? Oh, I haven’t looked at it yet. I’ll get to it sometime this week.” And just like that, my excitement is popped like a balloon with too much air in it. “I wanted to get your input on the Ellison family.”
I shake my head in confusion. No one knows Soul and I are together and that was intentional. “I don’t understand. They’re boring and there’s nothing about them that’s interesting.”
“Oh, they’re not boring and they’re definitely interesting.” Julie is quick to correct me. She leans back in her chair and wags a finger at me. “You did that photo shoot with Soul a short time ago, didn’t you?”
I had a feeling I wouldn’t hear the last of those photos. “Those photos were taken some time ago.”
“But Soul chose you, specifically?” Julie presses.
Memories of my interaction with Laura are prominent. It really does feel like déjà vu. “Julie, I’m not sure where you’re getting with this.” I send a warning shot to her.
“I’m on the verge of getting some breaking news about Soul Ellison and I want to get ahead of the story before anyone does.” Julie nods. “I can’t share my sources now but this is a juicy story that’s not going to go away any time soon.”
Thoughts of the mystery woman Soul was dealing with creeps into my mind. I hush those thoughts away. “Okay.”
“I need a full write-up on that family and I want to get insight on that entire family dynamic. I need a small article before we do a full investigation.”
“And what?” Now Julie is crossing a line that I don’t like. It’s one thing to write articles on people but when we’re creeping into investigations, that’s a different monster.
“I need that write-up by the end of the week.” She barks. “That’ll be all.”
“That news you have on Soul?” I ask. “What is it?”
Julie shakes her head. “I can’t divulge it now, but trust me, once it goes public and it will, you’ll have no trouble writing that article.”
The rest of my workday is in a blur. I pretend I’m doing research on the Ellisons but I can’t help but to feel like I’m betraying them. I know Ocean and Savior don’t think the best of me, and the same can be said about Thomas.
I just wonder what news is going on with Soul and why Julie couldn’t tell me. I sent Soul texts after the meeting and they went unanswered. It’s not unusual for Soul to give me a delayed reply, but he didn’t reply at all. I tried calling him and it went straight to voicemail.
After work, I went home in the chauffeured car and went straight inside. Everything was just as Soul left it and no evidence of anything was misplaced or unusual. Yet, I get a weird feeling that something isn’t right.
I change into loungewear and just relax on the sofa. Maybe Soul is just super busy and I just need to stop being a frantic girlfriend. He could’ve had a major meeting with Roman and I was just overacting. But it still doesn’t explain Julie’s haunting and cryptic words.
As I’m in the middle of binge-watching “Pose,” I hear the doorbell ring. I check the cameras and see Eli and Tony behind them. Krista and Faith are with them. What is going on here?
“Tony, Eli...” I’m stunned and open the door wider for everyone to come in. “What brings this visit?”
Tony and Eli enter first and behind them are Faith and Krista. They all have somber looks on their faces. “What’s going on, guys?” I ask. “Where’s Soul?”
Tony sits down first followed by Krista and Faith. Eli remains standing. Whatever they’re about to tell me, it’s enough for Eli to remain standing. Faith and Krista barely want to look at me and Tony is looking down at the floor.
I barely close the door and go straight to them. I don’t even want to sit down. Something tells me I am better off standing. “Where’s Soul?” I ask.
Eli blows out a sharp breath and wrings his hands together. “Ari, you should probably sit down for this.”<
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“No, I’m going to stand until you tell me where Soul is!” I demand. “Where is he?”
Eli looks out the window and blows another deep breath. My mind immediately goes to the worst thoughts. “Ari, you should sit down.”
“If you don’t tell me where Soul is, you need to leave.” I hold my ground. “Don’t come in here with that fake sh—”
“Soul’s been arrested,” he cuts me off and looks into my eyes. There’s sadness and disbelief within them. I sense a bit of anger. “He was just charged right now. There’s going to be a press conference in an hour and he’ll be released then. He’ll be out on three million dollars bail.”
“Three million dollars?” My eyes turn into slanted flats. “What? Like...” I shake my head. “What is going on?”
“Soul has been charged with rape.” Eli blurts out.
Chapter Five
“Rape? RAPE?” I scream. “What in the hell do you mean rape?”
Eli winces once he sees the devastation on my face. “He’s being held right now until his bond is posted.”
Eli sits down and Tony takes over. “A woman Soul went out with is claiming rape. This was well before you two got back together. She was trying to get a monetary settlement but Soul told her to fuck off, in not so many words. All was quiet until about three hours ago when he was arrested at a charity function. The cops were gracious enough not to handcuff him in public.”
My mind immediately goes to Soul’s reputation and his family’s. “So what now?”
“He’ll be freed in a few hours but there’s going to be a circus, Ari.” Tony warns. “Me and Eli are used to the press but they won’t come after us.”
He didn’t have to say I was going to be the next target; I already knew. “And then what?”
“That’ll be between you and Soul. Soul plans to fight the charges and he’s hired the best attorney money can buy, Lennox Parker.” Tony adds. “I know who Lennox is via Eli’s dealings and he’s ruthless. He’s going to make that girl cry.”
I don’t know how to react to that news. It’s not Soul’s first allegation but it’s the first rape charge he’s caught. This could go either way for him and I’m caught in the crossfire. Do I leave and act like we were never together? Do I stay and support?
I never thought I would ever be in the position where the love of my life would be accused of rape. “When will Soul be home? Is he coming home?”
“He’ll be home later. It’s going to be crazy the next few days, Ari.” Tony replies. “I know Soul and I know he wouldn’t do that to any female, all right? But he’s an Ellison and he’s a target. People want to see that family fail.”
“And they’re going to start with Soul.” I let out a deep sigh. It wasn’t a question, but rather, the answer to a hard realization. Soul warned me people were gunning for his family and he knew he was a target. In fact, everyone knew Soul was a target.
Including me. “Okay.”
Eli and Tony get up, followed by their partners. Eli approaches me and gives me a big, bear hug. “You good, fam?”
I don’t know. I’m confused. I’m scared. I’m hurt. I’m disgusted. I don’t know what to feel. I used to think the women who stood by their men’s indiscretions were weak and silly. Now I’m in their position.
I’m not entirely sure if I believe the girl’s claims. I’m definitely not sure if I’m going to believe Soul’s denials. “I’ll be fine.”
“GIRL, IT’S A MADHOUSE out there! It seems every single reporter in the world is camped outside your brownstone! I actually had to go through the other entrance underneath the building to do so.” Desiree walks in with Alex in tow.
The news exploded online with Soul being a worldwide trending topic. It seems the country is evenly divided between he did it and he didn’t. #FreeSoul is the number one worldwide trending topic.
I’m torn between feeling sick to my stomach and wanting to cry my eyes out. I have no idea how to act in this situation. I never thought I would be in this situation. What is the proper protocol a woman should act when her boyfriend is accused of raping a woman?
“How many photographers are out there?” I ask.
Desiree shakes her head. “Minimum of fifteen. Reporters, about the same amount.” Alex chimes in. “It’s insanity.”
“Wow.” I don’t think I quite realized how famous Soul was until that moment. It’s one thing to see the plus sides of his fame but it’s a whole different ball game to experience the negativity of it.
“Any word from him?” Desiree asks and I shake my head. “He probably doesn’t even have his phone yet.”
“Any word on who bailed him out?” Alex asks.
“His parents,” Desiree replies. “They showed Mama and Papa Ellison heading into the jail.”
I wince at the thought of Starr going to jail to bail out her son. I can’t even imagine what she is going through.
Desiree turns on the T.V. and every news station has coverage of Soul’s arrest. Some even stated they’ll break from when he’s released from jail. This is a damn mess.
“What’s going to happen between you and Soul, shorty?” Desiree asks.
“I have no idea.” I shrug. It’s an honest answer. I really have no idea what the hell is going to happen between us. I want to know Soul’s side of the story but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stomach it. “I guess we’ll cross that bridge when he gets home.” A sigh releases from me. “I just...I didn’t think I would ever to be in this position ever.”
“How are you feeling about all of this? These are some serious charges.”
“False imprisonment, rape in the first degree, sexual battery, and witness tampering.” I rattle off the charges. Legal experts have already stated the rape charge will carry a life sentence. “I...I....don’t know what to think.”
“I got your back, shorty. And a lot of people support Soul. He’s gonna fight these charges and win.” Desiree pauses. “Did you know the girl?”
“I have no idea who she is. Soul never told me about her. I don’t even know when this actually happened.”
“But it was before you two got back together, right?” Desiree asks and I shrug. “Oh word?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t think Soul was seeing anyone else but what I think and what is true might be two different things right now.” My mind is going a mile a minute. “I just...I just don’t know.”
“Man, Soul doesn’t even seem like the type. I know rapists don’t have a certain type but Soul ain’t it!” Desiree emphatically states. “Man, I know that nigga. We’ve broken bread. We’ve talked about music. We’ve talked about women. That nigga ain’t no rapist!”
I believe it, too, but even I have to admit I’m daunted by the charges. I don’t know if the prosecutor is sure of their case or they’re overcharging because they know it’s bullshit. I’ve seen it go either way.
“Oh shit! Turn it up! Turn it up!” Desiree directs to Alex. “The press conference is starting!”
My nerves are on edge as I see Soul’s attorney address the reporters first. Soul is behind him and he looks somber. He’s still in his outfit from this morning and I can tell he would rather be on Mars than to deal with the circus outside.
Lennox looks like the type of old money, trust fund asshole every woman hates and somehow wants to fuck at the same time. He’s tall with dark hair, a sharp jawline, and looks absolutely delicious in his expensive suit. His body is muscular, yet understated.
He has an air of confidence would come with being one of the world’s best defense attorneys as well as just being a Class-A asshole. “Mr. Ellison has been incredulously charged with false counts and he emphatically will fight each and every one of those charges. This is nothing but a witch hunt and smear campaign against one of the world’s finest citizens and a member of one of the most prominent families in the world. We intend to fight all of them and if they’re proven false, we’re pursuing false charges against the accuser. Thank you for your time.”
“Soul! Soul!” A female reporter approaches him and he looks at her with disapproving eyes. “Do you have anything you want to say about the charges against you?”
“Yes,” Soul puts his hands in his pockets and looks around the sky before he meets with the reporter, “they’re bullshit. A totally fabricated hit piece.”
“You’re saying the charges are false?” The reporter asks.
“Did I stutter?” Soul blinks.
“These are serious charges, Soul.” Another female reporter approaches him and his face contorts. This is not going to be good. “You should take these seriously.”
“Who says I’m not? You and the rest of the liberal nut jobs?” He asks.
“If me reporting a serious news story about your now second accusation of mistreating a woman badly makes me a liberal nut job then I will gladly take that title.” The reporter smugly replies.
“Good for you. Stick a dick in your ear because fuck what you heard.” Soul replies.
My mouth is gasped open while Desiree is in stitches. I’m silently pleading with Soul to shut the hell up but the exchange continues.
“You’re the reason why the #metoo movement exists,” the reporter doesn’t take her foot off his neck, “it’s men like you who feel if a woman wants to get ahead, she needs to get on her knees for you. It’s men like you who abuse the system for years and you don’t realize the long-lasting damage you’ve created on women.”
“Men like me?” Soul retorts, much to his attorney’s chagrin. “No, I’m not a monster and most of my staff are women. You didn’t know that, did you? Why don’t you liberals ever report the women who have a key role in the #metoo movement and act like madams for the so-called monsters you just mentioned?
