Chapter 601 - Taking down Madam Mo (4)

9 June, Matthew's Villa, City K

John, holding hands with Bronwyn walked through the open door at Matthew's villa, spotting Matthew standing there waiting.  Before he could say a word, Lexi called out "Matthew Rong, you better not press them for information, until everyone gets here."

Shaking his head Matthew called back "You think I would dare do that.  We just have a brief bit of formal business to take care of while we are waiting for everyone."

"That better be the truth, otherwise you will pay for it."

Matthew rolled his eyes, causing John to stifle his laughter.  These two were simply acting like petter children.  Matthew, watching it, shot John a look that stopped him immediately.

Taking the hint, John said "Lexi, we better deal with the angry General here, otherwise he will not let things be.  But Bronwyn spoke to her parents, and while her father cannot make it, her mother and uncles are on their way."

Bronwyn added "Plus a couple of my cousins.  They said there is nine of them in total coming if that is not a problem."

By that time Lexi, in her wheelchair had reached the foyer and said "Not a problem.  While you have your talk, let me go and organise things."

Matthew moved over and bent down giving Lexi a light kiss, before saying "Take care.  Just because the heavy casts are off, does not mean that you are fully recovered yet."

Lexi using her left hand, gently swatted Matthew before saying "Stop being such a worrier.  Now go before I change my mind."

John and Bronwyn quickly followed Matthew into his private study, before watching him secure the room.  He turned and looked directly at John and said, "I can guess what this is about."

Bronwyn and John looked at each other before John said, "I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Stop trying to be cute with me John.  You know I am the one who must approve your and Bronwyn's marriage request.  Yes, we do not have the security clearance issues because of your job, but I have rules to follow.  And guess what I received from my superior on Friday."  With that Matthew opened a folder on his desk and handed a doc.u.ment to John.

"Why in the world have you for years hidden what that b*tch did to you.  She should have been in jail years ago, then maybe Abigail would not have suffered as she did…"

"Do not blame me for that Matthew.  I was eighteen when she targeted and abused me.  I only had enough courage in confronting that fact to make the statement to the police.  Do not confuse that courage with the ability to deal with everything that comes with criminal charges when you are the victim of a s.e.x.u.a.l offence.  The statistics are clear, most victims take years to be ready to face all consequences of having the police pursue their abusers.  That is more amplified for male victims, simply because of the stereotypes that plague this area, of men being the perpetrators and females the victims."

"Statistics are just that, statistics.  You are a police officer."

Angrily John said "Stating the blatantly obvious fact Matthew.  Hence, I know the system and what happens.  Did you think I was her only victim?  No, I was not, and my statement is only part of the story.  There is a lot more.  She has left behind a trail of at least twenty other victims, some of which suffer mental health issues even to today and some who could not take what she did to them and committed suicide."

John paused, took a calming breath, and without the venomous anger he just had, continued "My case is the easiest to prove simply because of who I am, but even that does require the cooperation of others.  It still must go to the court, and you think I will not consider the impacts of revealing what happened, not on me, but on my family, my friends, and more importantly Uncle Mo, Monica, Abigail, and their brother?  That includes you, Lexi, and Dominic, so do not treat me like an idiot." 

"Boss," Bronwyn said more calmly than the two of them.  "We spoke to Abigail and Paul yesterday.  They know everything and do not blame John, so do not get angry on their behalf…"

Matthew turned and angrily said "You knew?"

Without thinking Bronwyn snapped to attention and said "We talked about it in depth yesterday.  John though is right.  Remember that case I prosecuted in the capital last year…"

Matthew looked directly at Bronwyn and said "Female instructor s.e.x.u.a.lly assaulting two male trainees under her command?  That made all military reports."

"Do you remember it took both victims five years to come forward.  That only happened after she left the military and was prosecuted in civilian courts when she was caught assaulting a fifteen-year-old by his parents.  Do not try and paint the situation as being black and white, because it never is.  Just think about your own wife.  How long has it taken her to deal with what inflicted on her by Richard Yao?"

Looking at Matthew, Bronwyn shook her head, before saying "We better leave this, because…"

"Lexi will have my head if she finds out about this.  I know."  Matthew closed his eyes, in thought.

As he opened them, he said "What do you both know about the attack last night at the football game?"

John calmly said "I read the reports that came through the systems.  Suicide attacker out to cause maximum carnage.  But it appears that a bullet was dodged as at the last minute it was declared a major event, resulting in some military involvement."  John paused and looked directly at Matthew and asked, "You had something to do with that declaration, didn't you?"

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