AC05 - Death Mask Read Online Free PDF

fault.’
    ‘Still?’ Anya looked her in the eye. ‘It was never your fault.’ She sighed. ‘To the media, this is another headlining story, and judging by the response on talkback radio, it’s dividing more than your local town. Unfortunately the whole press machine thrives on anything involving sex, sportsmen and scandal.’
    ‘You shouldn’t have to defend yourself. You were the one who was drugged and gang-raped.’ Dakota had clearly been deeply affected by her sister’s ordeal and the subsequent legal proceedings.
    Anya grabbed some more paper towels and dabbed her jacket again. ‘Court cases, even civil ones, are rarely about justice. They’re more about winning at any cost. Brett could have faced criminal charges if he admitted to what he did under oath. So he did everything possible to discredit you by saying you were unstable and seeing a counsellor. The last thing he wanted was to have a jury decide. That’s why his lawyer chose to fight it out in the media, and get free advertising for himself in the process. It’s the old adage, “The best form of defence is attack.” ’
    ‘So I’m violated by my husband and his mates, then publicly called crazy because I needed professional help dealing with it? No amount of money will make up for that.’ Hannah hurled her wad of wet towelling at the wall. ‘It’s just wrong.’
    Anya couldn’t argue. She moved to the wall and collected the wet towels, depositing them in the bin. She touched Hannah on the arm and said gently, ‘Look, I know it’s been really hard on you but you’ve stood up against those men and let everyone know what they did to you. That has to count for something, doesn’t it?’
    Hannah washed her face with cold water while Anya pickedup her jacket. ‘Take your time, we’ll see you outside when you’re ready.’
    Hayden Richards had already ordered the coffees.
    ‘How’s she doing?’ Mary asked.
    Anya rubbed her eyes with one hand. ‘She needs a few minutes. Dakota too.’
    Mary pushed back her chair. ‘I’ll go talk to her.’
    Anya was relieved for the emotional break. This case had affected her more than she’d anticipated. It was the betrayal of trust that was so difficult to take, and the fact that Brett Dengate had stolen Hannah’s innocence and optimism. Hannah had been wise to settle the matter before it got to court. Publicity had ensured the men were identified and any potential victims warned off. It was the best outcome under the sad circumstances.
    Hayden poured some sugar into his cappuccino.
    ‘I thought you’d given up.’
    He grinned, some froth lingering in his moustache. ‘GP now thinks I’ve lost too much weight. Wish he’d make up his mind.’
    The detective looked pale, a stark contrast to the man who had been morbidly obese and perpetually ruddy-faced less than a year ago. Inflammatory bowel disease was obviously still taking its toll, not that Hayden would ever discuss it.
    ‘You’ve got …’ She waved a finger near his moustache, which he wiped with a serviette.
    He lowered his voice. ‘How are you doing?’
    ‘Oh, fine. I think Hannah’s decision to settle will help her to move forward. She’s come so far already, I know she’ll be fine.’
    ‘Any chance of you taking a break?’
    Anya appreciated the detective’s concern. ‘We’re presenting that study we talked about to a senate committee in the morning. Believe it or not, the Federal Health Department wants me to work on a programme for the sports industry in order to teach male team players that women aren’t sexual objects for vilification and humiliation. It could take months – that should keep me off the streets for a while.’
    ‘Good luck with that,’ Hayden said, touching her wrist.‘That culture’s ingrained in team sports, has been for as long as I can remember.’
    ‘Glad you’re so supportive because I recommended you for the education programme.’
    His mouth turned downward.
    Hers did the