Scorn of Secrets

by B Truly

  I can’t stomach much more. I walk over to a sofa, sitting down. Not being able to view him through the window anymore helps somewhat. Unfortunately, I can still hear as Official Levi pushes forward with the interrogation.

  “Please help me to understand why Madison would accuse you of manipulating her—tricking her into having intercourse if she was a willing participant?”

  Jackson doesn’t miss a beat. “To get back at me, I’m guessing. But it’s not right for her to put me through this, just because I tried to take the high road.”

  “What do you mean?” asks Levi.

  “Afterward, I spoke with Madison, telling her I didn’t think we should pursue things further.”

  “Walk me through what occurred after that night,” Official Levi instructs.

  “Even though I cared about Madison, she and my brother had dated first. I felt bad about what happened between us because I knew Justin still had feelings for her.”

  “So you liked Madison enough to sleep with her, only to pretend like it didn’t occur afterward?”

  Jackson doesn’t fall for it. In a calm voice, he says, “It wasn’t like that. I explained to Madison my brother still cared about her. And no matter how I felt, it wasn’t right for us to flaunt that we were messing around in his face.”

  He’s lying through his freaking teeth. I’m seething.

  Ms. Levi lays out her next question. “Did you tell your brother what happened between you and Madison?”

  “No, and it was wrong to hide. I was just scared it would mess up our relationship. Justin and I have always been close.”

  This dude could win an Emmy. Ms. Driver doesn’t interrupt. She appears to be analyzing Jackson, studying him.

  Levi types on her hand-held tablet. “You stated Madison was probably paying you back. Elaborate on what you meant?”

  “Madison wasn’t happy about my rejection afterward, she wanted more. I made it clear I didn’t want to hurt Justin, but she was upset.”

  “How did the situation end?”

  “Our parents got engaged in February. Things between Madison and me were awkward. I attempted to talk to her from time to time. Playing nice didn’t seem to do any good. I feared she might try to cause trouble between me and Justin, so I spoke with Tanya about it.”

  “What did you and Tanya discuss?”

  “How Madison was upset because I’d told her I didn’t think it was a good idea to be in a relationship together. I explained how I thought she might try to turn Justin and me against each other.”

  “What did Tanya say about your suspicions?”

  “Tanya relayed that Madison was grieving over the death of their father and looking for attention.”

  “I see…. Let’s go back to your earlier statement,” Levi says. “You claimed you couldn’t believe Madison would press charges against you. If you guys were at such odds, why do you feel like she wouldn’t?”

  “At one point, we were really into each other.”

  In which of his fantasy worlds were we ever into each other? Mr. Wicked, Mr. Casanova, or Mr. Ego-trip—maybe a combination of all three, equaling Mr. Schizo, because he definitely has a few screws loose.

  “I get that I hurt her feelings, or maybe Madison feels like I led her on. But I don’t understand why she’d go to these extremes. My reputation and livelihood are on the line. I mean … I thought she cared about me.”

  Jackson is confusing himself with Justin again. I’ll never do anything intentional to hurt him. I change my mind—Jackson deserves an Oscar for his performance.

  “Well, Mr. Jenkins that’s why we’re here. To get to the bottom of this—to get all of the facts.” Official Levi turns toward my lawyer. “Do you have anything to add?”

  Ms. Driver directs her attention to Jackson. “A few things.” She crosses her legs. “When you had intercourse with Madison, weren’t you under the influence of alcohol and Ecstasy?”

  Jackson shifts his weight. “I had a beer. I wasn’t drunk.”

  “Were you not aware that underage drinking is a violation of the law?” Ms. Driver throws out there.

  Jackson nods. “I only had one beer, and I didn’t leave the house.”

  More lies. His list is piling up. The smell of alcohol seeping from Jackson’s pores, led me to believe he had more than one beer. As well as the simple fact he’d admitted being under the influence of drugs.

  “Do you make a habit of drinking, Mr. Jenkins?”

  “I don’t, but this is the twenty-first century. My dad lets me, and my brother have a beer on occasion on holidays.”

  “Well, could you possibly not remember Madison saying you were hurting her or to stop, because you were under the influence?”

  “That’s not possible. I wasn’t impaired with only one beer.”

  “Well, maybe the Ecstasy you took impaired you.”

  “I didn’t take Ecstasy.”

  “So, you only told her the Ecstasy had you riled up?” Jackson skims his hand over his head. “Is the truth upsetting you, Mr. Jenkins?” Ms. Driver arches her eyebrow.

  “It’s frustrating to be accused of something you didn’t do. Especially, when it’s someone you care about and you thought cared about you. Madison gave me her permission. She even asked about protection.”

  “Did you use protection as you told her you would, because she ended up pregnant?”

  “Condoms aren’t one-hundred percent.”

  “Let’s talk about after you had intercourse. Didn’t Madison get upset when she found out you were not Justin?”

  “No, as I’ve said, she knew it was me.”

  Ms. Driver questions him further. “Madison didn’t accuse you of pretending to be your brother?”

  “No, she didn’t.”

  “And Madison wasn’t upset afterward?”

  “Nope.”

  “I thought you said she was?”

  “Madison got upset later on. Not that night, which I’ve explained.”

  “To clarify, after you had intercourse you didn’t corner Madison by wrapping your hands around her neck and threaten her?”

  Jackson keeps his cool. “Of course not.”

  “You never told her if she told anyone that you’d tricked her into thinking you were Justin, there would be repercussions?” Ms. Driver presses.

  “Nope. Madison even gave me a goodnight kiss before I left that night.”

  Yeah, because you forced me.

  “When did the conversation take place about not continuing the fling?” questions, Ms. Driver.

  “I’m not sure exactly. Maybe a few weeks later.”

  I stand up, going back over to the window.

  “Why was it so long before the conversation took place?”

  Jackson bites his lips, having the audacity to look contrite. “I was avoiding her. I felt guilty. She came into my bathroom one night, coming on to me.”

  “What happened during this incident?”

  “I kissed her, giving in for a moment. I … won’t lie. I still wanted Madison. The guilt was just eating away at me. I knew if we continued this, it would drive a wedge between me and my brother. Justin had told me he hoped they’d work things out. Not to mention, our folks had gotten engaged, and our living situation would be permanent. That’s when I told her we couldn’t mess around anymore.”

  My jaw drops. I can’t form words of how conniving this boy is.

  “No further questions at this time, Jackson Jenkins. We’ll be in touch,” Ms. Driver tells him.

  44

  Blood Is Not Thicker than Water

  Somehow, I manage to pull myself together before Ms. Levi questions the next person. I don’t even know if Justin has made it in town.

  Jackson’s interrogation should be nominated for the Full of BS award. I won’t allow him to rattle me. I have come this far, so I’m determined to see this through.

  An officer walks Tanya into the interrogation area—the opposite side of the clear glass I’m on. Levi, the same offic
ial, is going to take her statement. Tanya glares at her.

  “I’ll cut straight to the chase, Ms. Thibodeaux.” Official Levi introduces herself and my lawyer representing me, then she goes over briefly that any false info given will be considered abetting a crime.

  Tanya crosses her arms. “How long is this gonna take?”

  “As long as necessary. Have a seat.” Ms. Levi doesn’t appear the least bit intimidated. She does this for a living. I’m sure Tanya doesn’t faze her.

  “I’d rather stand.”

  “Suit yourself. I couldn’t care less. I’m only attempting to be polite.” Tanya narrows her eyes. Official Levi dives right in. “This is a recorded informal hearing, investigating the alleged sexual coercion and assault of your sister, Madison Guillory.” Tanya makes a garbled sound. Levi stares at her impatiently. “Why don’t you start by telling me about Madison and the Jenkins brothers?”

  “She and Justin were close at first, then they started messing around.”

  “Clarify, messing around?”

  “Making out, kissing and all over each other, then….”

  “Then what?”

  “I could tell Madison had a crush on Jackson, too.”

  I swallow the huge knot in my throat. This doesn’t look good. It backs up what Jackson has said.

  “What makes you say that?” Levi asks.

  “The way she used to look at him made it obvious.”

  Tanya is just as delusional as he is! She was the one crushing on Jackson. My chest is heaving. She really has chosen him over me.

  Official Levi continues. “Did you ever see Madison and Jackson engaging intimately?”

  Tanya shifts uncomfortably. “What do you mean?”

  “As you put it, messing around?”

  “I never saw them doing anything like that, but Jackson confided in me. He told me after Justin and Madison broke up, she tried to pursue him.”

  Levi glances up from the tablet she is typing on. “Are you suggesting that first, your sister messed around with Justin, and then with Jackson?”

  “As I stated earlier, Madison dated Justin. They broke up, so she tried to go after Jackson next.”

  I want to strangle her!

  “I see…. During the conversation with Jackson, what did he say? You mentioned he admitted Madison was making advances toward him.”

  “He said Madison flirted with him repeatedly and wanted a relationship with him.”

  “Did Jackson tell you that he and Madison had sexual intercourse?”

  Tanya flinches. “He didn’t go into details.”

  “Yes or no? Did Jackson mention that during your conversation?”

  “No,” Tanya replies through clenched teeth.

  “Why do you think he left that part out? Maybe there’s more to the story.”

  “I told you, Madison was bitter about Justin breaking up with her. After Jackson rejected her, she wanted to tear a rift between the brothers to heal her wounded pride.”

  Ms. Levi shakes her head, pondering. “Are you certain it wasn’t the other way around? Jackson was pursuing your sister?”

  “No, it was her. When Madison’s ploy backfired and Jackson rejected her, she sought revenge.”

  “What are Madison’s motives? What does she have to gain by doing this?”

  Tanya shrugs. “She wants attention.”

  Official Levi switches gears. “Madison informed us of how she confided in you in March. Tell me what she shared with you the night after Christmas of 2017?”

  Tanya’s honey-brown irises dilate, then she regains her composure. “Madison’s still grieving over our dad’s death. She was having issues fitting in. She threw herself at guys for attention, thinking it would somehow fix the problem.”

  “Are the guys you’re referring to Jackson and Justin Jenkins?”

  “They were the first two.”

  “Who else was there?”

  “Well, she did end up getting pregnant by another boy from Elsik.”

  “Explain what you mean by Madison wanting attention?”

  “Madison would do things—like making public displays of kissing.”

  “How so?”

  “She kissed Justin in front of his ex, just to piss her off.”

  Tanya is blowing the incident at the Taylor game way out of proportion. She knew I’d done that to prove a point, and it wasn’t my normal behavior.

  “It sounds like typical teenage behavior—not necessarily meaning she wanted attention,” Levi gives me the benefit of the doubt. Tanya huffs. “Let’s get back to the original question I asked. What did you and Madison discuss when she approached you in March?”

  “We talked about the twins and I told her how I felt.”

  “In regard to what?”

  “Making a spectacle of herself by attempting to mess with two brothers.”

  “Well, Ms. Thibodeaux, there are always two sides to a story. Your sister states she told you that Jackson manipulated and assaulted her, but you didn’t believe her.”

  Tanya staggers backward. “That’s not true! I asked Madison if she and Jackson had sex and she said no.”

  I can only gawk. I wipe away a tear that has slipped down my cheek. Tanya doesn’t deserve it. From this point forward, I refuse to allow her to cause me anymore heartache.

  Official Levi crosses her legs. “I’m a little confused. You claim Jackson implied she wanted him, so why would you think they did not engage in sexual relations?”

  I’m getting confused myself. Levi seems to be tossing information around differently, to see if all her responses line up.

  “Jackson didn’t want her intimately. What’s so hard to understand?”

  “To clarify, Jackson did not tell you they had sexual relations?”

  “If they did, I’m not aware of it. Why are you even entertaining this case?” Tanya asks.

  “To investigate if the sexual intercourse was coerced, and to determine if Jackson assaulted Madison afterward.” Levi sits up straighter. “There is a lot of contradiction we’re trying to get to the bottom of. For instance, Jackson admitted to us he and Madison did have sexual intercourse and that he had feelings for her.”

  “What?” Tanya’s nostrils flare.

  The wheels in her head are turning. How does the other shoe fit? Jackson hadn’t been honest with her. During their heart-to-heart, he’d left out vital details. It seems she is finally figuring that out. Her bottom lip trembles.

  “Are you telling us all the facts, Ms. Thibodeaux? You’re not protecting Jackson for some reason or have your own agenda at hand?”

  Tanya rakes her hands threw her long black hair. “I wanna know what you were implying by your last statement?”

  “I’m the one asking questions, Ms. Thibodeaux. Let’s continue.” Tanya shoots the interrogator daggers, appearing seconds from clawing Ms. Levi’s eyeballs out.

  I’m beginning to see that she is great at her job—intimidating people and attempting to back them in a corner.

  “Before you moved to Houston, had your sister ever been known to lie or act out inappropriately?”

  “In what way?”

  “Was Madison ever reprimanded in school? Did she get detention, suspended, expelled, or in trouble with the law?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.”

  Official Levi scrolls through her tablet. “From our background check, Madison is an honor student and has never even had detention once.”

  Tanya’s brow knits. “What’s your point?”

  “I’m just trying to understand how, all of a sudden, she did something completely out of character. As you’ve stated, try to seduce twin brothers.”

  I can’t help snickering. Ms. Levi is my new best friend.

  “You’re twisting my words,” Tanya says through gritted teeth.

  “I am only attempting to clarify facts, and yours are confusing.”

  “Well, I’ve told you all I know.”

  “The day Madison confided in you, why di
d it lead to a fight?”

  “Because Madison didn’t like hearing the truth about her attention problems.”

  “Her actions of throwing herself at guys for attention?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Walk me through the argument.”

  “She pushed me into my dresser, and then Regan came in. He got between us before she could hit me, then Justin took her out the room.” Tanya blows out her breath. “This is getting old. Why are you acting like I committed a crime? I’m just an innocent bystander.”

  Official Levi ignores Tanya and glances at her notes, and then to Ms. Driver. “Do you have anything to add?”

  Ms. Driver dives in. “Do you know who the father of Madison’s daughter is?”

  Tanya shrugs. “She told us it was some boy she was fooling around with at Elsik.”

  “You weren’t aware that Madison says Jackson is the father?”

  I don’t think Tanya’s eyes can get any bigger. “That can’t be true! If it were the case, then why would Madison lie?”

  “Due to the circumstances and her own sister not believing her, she lied out of fear.”

  “Well, excuse me if I have a hard time believing anything that comes out of her mouth. This is not the first time she’s lied.”

  “There will be a DNA test to prove whether Jackson is the father or not.”

  Tanya swallows hard. “Is this interrogation over?”

  “I have one more question. What is your relationship with Jackson?”

  The question of the year that I’d like to know.

  Tanya holds her shoulders high. “We’re future stepsiblings.”

  “Nothing more? Do you have feelings for Jackson Jenkins?”

  Tanya fumbles with the hem of her dress, changing her footing. I grin at Tanya’s apparent discomfort—serves her right.