Chapter 14 Mckenna
FOURTEEN
MCKENNA
“Thank you,” I say, accepting the cold bottle of water the lawyer’s assistant hands me.
I lean back in the chair, glancing around the sterile, practical conference room. The air conditioning is blasting and I welcome the cold. Twisting the cap of the water bottle, I take a long pull.
“You good?” Mav asks.
I nod, giving him a tight smile. On my other side, my dad leans forward, his phone pressed to his ear, to peer at my face. Satisfied with what he sees, he leans back in his chair and continues his conversation.
“You got this,” Mav murmurs.
I nod again. I know I do.
Last night, Mav and I had a beautiful date. I was able to push Bran as far from my mind as possible, given the situation, savor the feeling of having the bar exam behind me, lose myself in Mav’s touch, and find myself in his embrace. It was one of the best nights of my life.
Now, it’s today, and I’m ready to confront Bran head-on. I’m ready to stand up for myself and seek justice. I’m ready to be done with the hell I’ve been living in so I can finally move forward.
“Mckenna Byrne, thank you for waiting,” a woman says, striding into the conference room. “I’m Laura McAllister.”
I stand halfway to shake her hand. “Thank you for meeting with me. This is my father, Brian, and my husband, Maverick.” I introduce them as my father tucks his phone into his pocket.
Laura introduces two other members of her team, junior associates, Kelly and Christian.
We take our seats.
Laura folds her hands in front of her and looks at me.
“Mckenna, I can’t imagine how difficult the past few years have been for you.
My team has been in contact with your father and Mav and I’m happy to meet with you all in person today.
To move your case forward, we’re going to need the information about your interactions and encounters with Bran from your first point of contact until today.
I have a big picture from Maverick, but I’m going to need the details from you.
I understand that this can be painful and if at any point, you need a break, please let me know.
But, are you okay to talk about your experiences today?
And are you comfortable speaking openly with everyone present in this room? ”
Mav’s body locks down beside mine. A moment later, his palm lands on my thigh, squeezing gently. It’s a reassurance, an encouragement.
On my other side, Dad shifts, and I feel his gaze studying my profile.
But I keep my eyes trained on Laura. It has taken me a long time to work up the courage to press charges against Bran. Today, I’m ready to share my story.
“Yes,” I say.
She nods. “Then, let’s begin.”
Over the next two hours, Laura asks chronological questions about my history with Bran. We discuss details, moments of contact, and her team begins to establish a timeline of every interaction Bran and I had since we met 1L year.
It’s painful—the memories dredging up emotions of grief and anger that I thought I laid to rest. But I don’t shut down.
Instead, I let myself feel and process. I talk through it, sharing the initial attack, the mental block, and the flashbacks.
I explain the confusion, bewilderment, and horror I felt after waking up in Las Vegas when the flashbacks bombarded me, suppressed memories surging forward.
I mention the way I felt—uneasy and anxious—when Bran and I would interact in the library, in class, or off-campus.
His jeers and taunts. The way he would look at me like he knew something I didn’t.
Then, the attack that sent me into the hospital at the beginning of the year.
The deal my father made with his to remove him from my life so I could finish law school.
And now, the notes that have started popping up, seeing him on campus with Drew, filing police reports but getting nowhere.
I tell Laura that I’m tired of living in fear. That I want to ensure Bran never hurts another woman the way he hurt me. That I’m ready to live my life without this cloud—him—hanging over my head and shadowing my decisions.
Laura, while understanding, doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. She has relevant questions and peppers me with follow-ups. We discuss my police reports, share my medical documentation, and offer photographs of the physical evidence of Bran’s notes that I’ve turned over to the police.
At the start of hour three, Laura finally closes her leatherbound folder and looks at me. “Thank you, Mckenna. I know this couldn’t have been easy, but the details you’ve provided today are necessary for us to move to the next step.”
“And what’s that? The next step?” Mav asks, his hand still firmly planted on my thigh.
“It seems like the police, while responding to your claims, aren’t doing all they can to ensure your safety,” Laura admits carefully.
“The Burtons are a well-connected family. Politically speaking,” my dad offers.
Laura nods. “I understand.”
“We have private security in place,” Mav adds.
“I think that’s smart. If it’s possible to have a conversation with them on safety protocols—”
“I’ll provide their contact details,” Mav interjects.
“Great. Then, I’d like to reach out to the DA’s office.
At some point, Bran will be caught and we would like to be as prepared as possible to move forward with a prosecution when that happens.
Before we officially meet with the DA, the office will provide you with a Victim Witness Advocate, someone to provide support and guidance as well as answer any questions, as we move through the process.
We can meet with him or her first and they’ll serve as a link between us and the court proceedings. Are you okay with that?”
I turn this information over. It’s all starting to feel real. It’s daunting and yet, there’s a quiet power flowing through my veins. I’m taking control of this situation. I’m making choices on how this is going to unfold.
“Yes,” I say, my voice clear.
“Do you have any questions?” Laura asks.
“Not at this time,” I reply.
“Good.” Laura smiles. “You have my contact details. Reach out with any questions or concerns at any time. I’ll connect with the DA’s office and we’ll take it from there.”
“All right,” I agree, standing. I extend my hand to shake Laura’s goodbye. “Thank you for your time.”
Her handshake is firm. “Absolutely. We’re going to get him, Mckenna.”
I nod. “Hope so.”
With my dad and Mav flanking me, I exit the lawyer’s office. Once we step into the warm sunshine, I suck in a breath and suppress a grin.
I did it. I took the first step to reclaim my future.
“What do you have going on today?” Mav asks the following morning as I towel dry my hair.
I glance at him over my shoulder where he’s sprawled across the bed. “I’m meeting Allegra for lunch. She and Derek arrived back in Boston last night. Then, I’m getting together with Aiden to talk about job prospects.”
“That’s great. Aiden’s a great resource. He’ll give you solid advice and hopefully have some contacts for you to reach out to.”
“I can’t get ahead of myself until my bar results come in, but it’s good to put out feelers. What are you up to?” I twist my damp hair in a low bun.
“Going to hang with my brother for a bit. He wants to hit some golf balls.” Mav wrinkles his nose.
I grin. “Enjoy golf.”
“I hate golf.”
“I know. But it will be good to hang with your brother.”
“Yeah.” He drags himself from my bed and steps toward me, one of his hands planting on my ass cheek as he brings me closer. Dropping his lips to mine, he kisses me. “Want to go out to dinner tonight?”
“I’d love to.” Our lips meet again. Between our date at The Ivy and speaking with Laura, I feel more comfortable, more confident, going out and enjoying my life. Lunch with Allegra. Dinner with Mav. Bowling with our friends.
Even though a trickle of apprehension follows me everywhere, I’m not letting it control me. I’m not giving Bran the satisfaction of calling the shots in my life.
Mav’s fingertips feather over my jawline. “See you tonight, beauty. Love you.”
“Love you too,” I reply as Mav gives me that dimpled smirk I love.
Giddiness zips through me as I move back into the bathroom to apply my makeup.
It feels good to feel like myself again.
“Have a great summer, Mckenna!” Rose, the receptionist at Aiden’s law firm waves as I shoulder my purse.
“Thanks, Rose.” I lift my hand in farewell before I slip out of the office and head toward the elevator bank. Pulling my phone from my purse, I text Drew that I’m done for the day and heading toward my car.
Meeting with Aiden helped clarify some things in my mind. I’ve wanted to practice entertainment law for years; that’s always been my objective. It still is. But it’s not as easy to envision my career path in the industry in Boston the way it is in LA.
However, Aiden offered to put me in touch with Claire Merrick, one of his best friend’s cousins.
She’s done graphic design work for Mav and The Burnt Clovers in the past but, more than that, she’s branched out and has connections with bands and various performers across Boston.
Aiden assured me that grabbing a drink with Claire would turn into a fun night out with an opportunity to network and meet artists in a low-key, casual setting.
I agreed and look forward to meeting Claire.
Riding the elevator to the ground floor, I push through the main exit and out into the warm, evening air. It’s balmy, with a slight breeze kicking up, and I revel in it. It’s a nice change to the oppressive summer heat the city’s been experiencing.
I turn the corner toward the parking lot, pausing as my phone dings with a text message.
It’s Drew, telling me to give him five minutes. I glance over my shoulder at the office building, but since I’m already in the parking lot, it makes more sense for me to wait for him in my car. He’ll be here in a few minutes and then I’ll follow him and Alfred back to the brownstone.