“Yes.” She runs her hands over her legs a few times and blows out a breath. “The next day at work, I got assigned a special project, which meant long hours for me. That was unusual at that time of year because the legislature isn’t in session, but I was flattered to get the assignment.”

“Why flattered?”

“Because, I think I told you many times. My job consisted of writing policy analysis and proposals that would end up sitting on someone’s desk. No matter how qualified I am…or was, I put up with a lot of shit.”

“Like what?” I growl.

“I don’t want to get into that right now. Let’s just say a lot of legislators are old, rich, white men who aren’t interested in the opinions of younger, educated females. They’re still busy sneaking cigars in their offices and complaining how it’s not ‘PC’ to slap your secretary on the ass anymore.”

“Shocking.” I don’t say it to be dismissive. More like, nothing shocks me anymore. And I’ve dealt with enough crooked politicians to know most of them are about as advanced as your average cave-dweller.

“Anyway, this was a big project. I wanted to move up at some point and this could’ve done that for me. I was…flattered that I’d been chosen for it. I thought maybe finally someone noticed more than my big tits for a change.”

My stomach tightens with the anticipation of where this conversation is headed.

“I feel so foolish now. I should’ve recognized what was going on. He wasn’t interested in anything I had to contribute. We’d have these long discussions about my research and I thought he valued my opinions, but the whole time…”

Her voice trails off and she glances away.

“Go on.”

Her hands ball into fists in her lap and she takes several deep breaths. “Jesus, I don’t think I can do this.”

“Take your time.” I move closer to wrap an arm around her shoulders and she stops me.

“Not right now. Please.”

I pull away, even though it kills me.

She stands and paces in front of me. “I said it was long hours, right? That wasn’t so unusual when we were in session. Especially around budget time. But in the fall, a lot of people take time off. It can be like a ghost town in our…in those offices.”

“Someone give you a hard time?” Even if someone hassled her, it doesn’t explain why she’d up and quit. Then move to the other side of the country and keep my kid away from me.

Finally, she stops moving and stands completely still.

Time seems to slow down as she meets my eyes and whispers my worst nightmare.

“Someone raped me. In my office after hours.”

“What?” I jump off the couch and reach for her, but she backs away. “Lilly, come here, please?”