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  “What are your sources in the Sheriff’s Department saying?”

  “Well, Jim, they tell me that all three men were read their rights and refused legal representation after they were brought here to the detention center. Then they each gave separate confessions. During their confessions they provided specifics that are not available to the general public. Word is, that with them in custody, the police should be able to tie them to the rapes through DNA and other means.”

  “Does that mean they’ll be held until sentencing?”

  “Yes. My sources say that with the confessions and the details provided in them, the prosecution shouldn’t have any trouble winning a request for remand.”

  “Are there any other details?”

  “Not yet. But now we women of San Diego can all breathe a huge sigh of relief as these vicious criminals are now behind bars.”

  “Thank you, Katie. That’s the update for now. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this breaking story.”

  “Wow, can you believe that,” Jason said. “What kind of idiots would strip down and tie themselves together.”

  “Whose side are you on?” Alex screeched at him. “We’ve all been terrified every time we leave the house.”

  “Sorry, I’m on your side, and I hope they get life. But you have to admit it’s a strange way for the police to capture them.”

  “Guilt can work wonders,” Emily said, with a shudder. “Hopefully, they all get long sentences. The world is better off without three predators like that.”

  “I agree,” Alex said. “If you asked me, they should just take them out back and string ‘em up. Isn’t that what you Yanks do, string ‘em up?”

  “I think we’re going to have to let the justice system work,” Matthew said. “We Americans take a dim view of hanging suspects before a trial.”

  “Always sympathy for the suspect, never the victim.”

  “That’s not fair. They just have to prove they’re guilty, or have them confess in front of a judge,” Matthew said. “Then they can put them in jail and throw away the key.”

  “That’s too good for them,” Alex yelled. “Men.”

  “Yeah, men,” Brianna said. “With those guys in jail, we can go to the fair alone and leave these male reprobates here,” Brianna huffed. “It’s safe for us women now.”

  “Yeah,” Alex added. “We’ll see you guys later.” All three girls stomped up the stairs and left Matthew and Jason looking at each other.

  “Well, at least we got out of going to the fair,” Jason said, sheepishly.

  “You’d better come up with a better line than that next time you see Alex, or you’re going to be getting out of doing a lot of things with her.”

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “Hello, Matthew,” Mrs. Winthrop said, as she greeted Matthew at the door.

  “Hi, Cara,” Matthew replied. “Is Brea downstairs?”

  “Yes, she is. Do you have much homework?”

  “Not today. Just some math to do.”

  “That’s good, you guys will probably get a movie in then.”

  “I hope so,” Matthew replied, as he made his way down the stairs.

  Brianna was just coming out of her room. Her hair was still a little damp after her shower. “Hi, Matt.”

  “How was practice?”

  “Good, just two sets,” Brianna said. “Emily’s play was better today.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. She’s been really stressed lately.”

  “The stress must have been building up, the Playhouse in January, then those rapists the last two months.”

  “I guess so. Has Alex calmed down?”

  “Oh sure, she was just putting on a show to make a point. I guess we all were,” Brianna said. “You know she loves drama.”

  “I can tell,” Matthew said. “How much homework do you have?”

  “Not much, just math and reading for European History,” Brianna answered. “How about you?”

  “Just some math.”

  “Okay, we have two hours before dinner,” Brianna said. “I should be able to get through all mine.”

  Brianna and Matthew continued to study in silence, trying to get through everything before they were called to dinner.

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “Dinner is ready,” Mrs. Winthrop said from about halfway down the stairs.

  “Okay, we’re coming,” Brianna replied.

  “Get Jason, please.”

  “I’ll get him,” Matthew said, as he went down the hall to knock on Jason’s door.

  “Hello, Carl,” Matthew said, as he met Mr. Winthrop at the top of the stairs.

  “Hello, Matt,” Mr. Winthrop said. “Are you having dinner with us?”

  “Yes. We just finished studying, and we’re watching a movie after dinner.”

  “Oh, that’s why dinner is early tonight.”

  “Hi, Dad,” Jason said. “Did you close the deal?”

  “Not yet, but this week,” Mr. Winthrop replied.

  “Everyone please be seated,” Mrs. Winthrop said. “Estella is ready to serve.”

  “Where’s Hanna?” Matthew asked.

  “She had her dinner earlier, Mac and Cheese,” Mrs. Winthrop said. “She’ll be watching TV now.”

  “Here’s a little macabre humor,” Mr. Winthrop said, “or cosmic karma humor.”

  “What, Dad?” Jason asked.

  “You know the three rapists they caught a couple of days ago.”

  “Carl, we all know about that, and I can’t imagine where you could find humor in that.”

  “Just listen. I heard on the car radio that they had to be taken to the hospital today. Each of them has a serious case of poison oak. One of the worst cases they’ve ever seen.”

  Jason snorted trying to stifle his laugh. “That certainly is bad karma.”

  “Yes, they said they must have landed in it after they had stripped off their clothes. It is all down their front side,” Mr. Winthrop laughed. “They said it didn’t seem to miss a spot.”

  Brianna laughed, “I like that kind of karma. Hopefully, they get long prison terms to go with the poison oak.”

  Matthew smiled. He’d have to make sure that Emily knew about this. Maybe it would help her mood.

  “How does a mother raise a son who turns out so vicious?” Mrs. Winthrop asked.

  “They’re sociopaths,” Mr. Winthrop said. “Without the ability to empathize with others, it’s not too much of a stretch for them to think they’re entitled to take whatever they want, and they only worry about getting caught.”

  “I’ve read that sociopaths make up between two and four percent of the population,” Matthew said.

  “Yes, but they’re not all criminals. A lot of top people in corporations are borderline sociopaths or are sociopaths.”

  “Wow, really?” Jason said.

  “Yes, to be successful in the top corporate positions you have to be good at the politics. Sociopaths are natural manipulators. And you have to be able to put your emotions aside. It’s a lot easier if you don’t have any.”

  “So does that mean all CEOs are sociopaths?” Jason asked.

  “No, just some. The best that I’ve seen are the ones that can put all emotions aside to make a critical decision, then they re-examine that decision and its impact on the people and the company. They figure out the choices using only empirical data, then they add some heart to get to the best decision.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “Yes, a cold-hearted decision might say that it is good company policy to fire or layoff workers who miss too much work because of childcare issues, but on second look you would see that you might lose your best workers, and have trouble recruiting talent. It’s foolish to think that a company can succeed in today’s world without the diverse input you get from having both men and women involved.”

  “Enough of management 101,” Mrs. Winthrop said. “Let’s find a more pleasant subject matter for dinner.”

  ◆ ◆ ◆

 
“Emily, hi. Did you have to move your appointment?” Matthew asked, as he came out of the therapist’s office into the reception area.

  “No, I have two appointments this week,” Emily replied.

  “Oh, are you talking to her about Saturday?”

  “Yes, but don’t worry, I’m keeping you out of it.”

  “I don’t care about that. I just want you to be all right. It was a terrible thing to have experienced.”

  “I’m okay, thanks to you,” Emily said. “I’m sure I’ll get over it soon.”

  “You have to give it time,” Matthew said.

  “You sound like our therapist. Oh, and that breathing exercise has really helped. I’ve had a couple of panic attacks and it stopped them.” Emily said. “You’ve been so helpful; you’re probably going to start charging me?”

  “No. I’ll just keep sending good thoughts your way.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you at the tennis tournament tomorrow. I hope I don’t let Brea down.”

  “I’m sure you won’t,” Matthew gave Emily a hug. “Hang in there.”

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “Hello, Matthew,” Mrs. Winthrop said. “It didn’t take you guys long to pick up the pizza.”

  “No, we called ahead to order. Our timing was good. We beat the crowd,” Matthew replied.

  “Hi, Mom,” Jason said, giving his mom a kiss on the cheek.

  “I think the girls were expecting you to take a little longer, they’re still getting changed.”

  “Oh well, we can always heat it up in the microwave,” Jason said.

  “I don’t think that’s what Brea was worried about,” Mrs. Winthrop said. “She was expecting a little more time to get ready.”

  “Oh, Matt has seen her with wet hair before,” Jason said.

  “I give up,” Mrs. Winthrop said. “Alex is already downstairs, so you two can go down and wait with her.”

  “No problem. I can read while we wait,” Matthew said.

  Jason rolled his eyes and led the way downstairs.

  “You could stand to do some extra reading, mister,” Mrs. Winthrop called after him.

  “Come on, Mom, Alex and I are reading The Cider House Rules for Comparative Literature,” Jason said, over his shoulder.

  “I can imagine how much reading is going on when you two are together,” Mrs. Winthrop retorted, with a laugh. “Have fun, I’m off to pick Hanna up from the Jamison’s party.”

  “Hi, Alex,” Matthew said, as he saw Alex curled up on the sofa with her phone.

  “You guys are supposed to be getting the pizzas,” Alex replied.

  “We did,” Jason said. “We just did an exceptional job of logistical planning.”

  “You got lucky more likely,” Alex scoffed. “Put the pizzas in the oven so they’ll stay warm. Then you can come over and sit by me.”

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “Here they are, the undefeated pairs champions of club-play tennis,” Matthew announced, as Brianna and Emily emerged from Brianna’s room.

  Brianna gave a little bow and Emily gave a parade queen wave as they entered the room. Matthew, Jason and Alex all applauded.

  “Emily, how’s your arm?” Alex asked.

  “It’s okay, just a little skinned.”

  “Thank God,” Alex said. “That fall looked bad.”

  “It did. Now Emily, can you explain that move again?” Jason said. “A full-speed run toward the sideline, then a stop, then what was that, a flying lunge?”

  Emily blushed, “I swear that ball was going out, the wind must have blown it back in.”

  “Keep telling yourself that,” Jason continued. “At least you saved the point.”

  “Not that you needed it,” Alex added. “You guys won that game at love.”

  “How was I to know we wouldn’t need the point? It was the first point of the game.”

  “Quit teasing her,” Brianna said. “Where’s the pizza? I’m starved.”

  “Coming right up,” Matthew said, as he opened the oven and pulled the two boxes of pizza out. “Still nice and hot.”

  The five friends broke into a cacophony of chatting as they devoured the pizzas.

  “Hey, where’s Tyler?” Matthew asked. “Are you two still fighting?”

  “We’re not fighting,” Emily said. “He’s up at Stanford, football tryouts.”

  “I thought he was going to BC.”

  “He’s got to make the team first.”

  “I thought he was guaranteed a spot since his dad’s an alumnus.”

  “Yes, he’s guaranteed a spot at BC, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get to play on the football team. I think it’s down to him and some guy from Texas for the third quarterback position. Stanford is one of his backup teams.”

  “So he got into Stanford. That’s impressive.”

  “He has to make the team first,” Emily said. “They keep so many slots open for the football team.”

  “Oh, not so impressive.”

  “Be nice!”

  “Yeah, be nice!” Brianna said, as she slugged Matthew on the shoulder.

  “Ouch, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Matthew said. “Why are you beating on me?”

  “We women have to stick together.”

  “Yes!” Alex said, as she threw a pillow at Matthew.

  “All right, all right! Don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

  “What are you saying about my girlfriend’s panties?” Jason yelled, as he threw another pillow at Matthew.

  Brianna slugged Matthew again, “Yes, what are you doing looking at other women?”

  “It’s just a saying!”

  “A likely story!” Emily said, as she jumped up and threw a pillow at Matthew.

  Since Mrs. Winthrop liked to accessorize, there was plenty of ammunition as the four friends continued to pelt Matthew with pillows.

  “I surrender, I surrender!” Matthew cried, as he lay down on the floor and covered his head with his arms. “What do I have to do to make up for my sins?”

  “Well, you could take me to see Love On The Dark Side Of The Moon,” Brianna said.

  “Ah! A chick flick,” Jason yelled. “Matt, save yourself. Run for your life!”

  “No, it serves him right, maybe he’ll learn a little sensitivity,” Emily laughed, and threw another pillow.

  “Okay, okay,” Matthew said. “Do you want to go tonight or tomorrow?”

  “We’ll have to go tonight, tomorrow is a school night so my curfew is nine,” Brianna said. “And I don’t want to go to an early show.”

  “Anybody else want to go with us?” Matthew asked.

  “No way,” Jason said. “You have to take your punishment like a man. I told you to run.”

  Emily was just standing there giggling. “It wasn’t that funny,” Matthew said to Emily, as he started to pick up pillows.

  “I think it was,” Alex defended Emily, adding some giggles of her own.

  “I know,” Emily giggled, “but I can’t stop laughing. It’s been so long since I’ve had a pillow fight, I forgot how much fun they are.”

  “That wasn’t a pillow fight, that was an assassination,” Matthew said. “Anyway, I’m glad to see your mood has improved, even if it is at my expense.”

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “Matt, you’re early,” Jason said.

  “I know, but it’s Jessie’s birthday today, so the house is full of five and six-year olds. I decided retreating was the better part of valor, so I put my present in the pile and caught a ride over with your mom after she dropped Hanna off.”

  “I don’t blame you. Hanna was all hyped up about it this morning, and that’s before she’s had any cake.”

  “Let’s go work on your tennis,” Matthew joked.

  “Hey, she beat me one time, don’t get too wise or I’ll just pound you.”

  “Whatever it takes to motivate you.”

  “You’re really asking for it. And don’t forget Brea’s birthday is this Wednesday. I hope you got her a nice gift.”r />
  “I do, too.”

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  Matthew went to Del Mar on Tuesday to pick up the gift he had ordered for Brianna’s birthday. He had purchased a silver heart pendant with an aquamarine stone on it. He knew that aquamarine was Brianna’s birthstone. He also knew she would probably be getting far more elegant and expensive gifts from her family and friends, but it was all he could really afford. He’d had his and her name engraved on each side of the heart; he hoped it wasn’t too sappy a gift.

  After he picked it up and was heading home, he realized he had been worried about the party and how Emily would handle it given her down mood of late. But she had been in much better spirits all week after the girls had attacked him with pillows on Saturday. It was going to be a small affair with the only people besides her family being Jennifer, Emily and Matthew.

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “Hi, Matt,” Brianna said as she met up with him at school Wednesday morning.

  “Hi, Brea. Happy birthday.”

  “Thanks,” Brianna said, and gave Matthew a peck on the cheek.

  “Is that a birthday present?”

  Brianna showed off the diamond tennis bracelet she was wearing. “Yes, from one of my many admirers.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Of course,” Brianna said. “You know I might have to give you up. Over the last few months I’ve become accustomed to the company of an older, more mature man.”

  “You have, have you?

  “Yes, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stand the company of someone who’s just the same age as myself. I’m not sure he’ll have the sophistication that I’ve come to prefer.”

  “I can see that could be a terrible burden. I myself have become used to the company of a younger woman, so I can see how you might have difficulties.”

  “Oh, you’re no fun,” Brianna said. “You’re supposed to beg me to keep you.”

  “Oh, I missed the cue,” Matthew said. “Please, please stay with me? Is that good enough?”

  “Not really, but we’ll work on it. Anyway, Grandfather got this for me, so you needn’t worry. I’ll see you at lunch.”

  “Okay.”