“We’ve got to go. The meeting will start in a minute.”
Peter helped her into his car, and the drive was taken mostly in silence. Rose couldn’t find the right words to say to him.
Everyone was going to change in Cape Falls. She didn’t know why it was going to be now, but she knew it was. Kelly had started a rollercoaster ride, and no one was going to settle until they got justice.
The town hall was heaving with activity. Peter parked the car, and Rose waited for him to open her door. He was always the perfect gentlemen. She looped her arm through his, and together they made their way to the front of the hall. Their seats were reserved. Dean and Laura were sat together.
Peter waved at the couple, and Rose smiled. They took their seats next to Daisy and William. The red-head was crying as she held onto her husband.
There were murmurs among the folks. No voices were raised.
Silence fell on the hall as Gabriel took his place on the stand. He stood on the podium looking out at the audience. His voice would carry far and wide, and the few people who didn’t make it to the hall would know what he said.
“I’ve brought you hear today for an incident that occurred last night.” Gabriel stopped, looking down at his notepad. He started laughing, lifting up the notebook. “I was going to use a bunch of statistics and crap. You’re not going to listen to this shit, and seeing as this is our small town I think it’s time you all fucking woke up.”
Rose flinched at the anger.
“Last night, Brad, Tyler, and Adam—you all know their last names. You’ve seen them together a number of times. They took Kelly Lighthouse and proceeded to gang-rape her.”
Rose listened to his words, flinching as he detailed what had happened to Kelly. He went into graphic detail about what happened to her.
Biting her lip, Rose stared up at the stage then all around her. Not a soul in the room was without a tear. This was the harsh reality of what happened.
“They didn’t think Kelly would have a voice because of the way this fucking town works. It ends now. I was going to leave. I was going to take my wife and children and leave this place because you’re all a waste of my time. No, that’s not going to happen. This ends now, today. You will leave this room, and you will think about that young woman who has been violated. You will leave this town knowing that every single one of you had a part to play in her crime.”
Gabriel stormed off the stage not giving anyone a chance to argue.
The crowd didn’t erupt in argument. Slowly, the crowd disappeared leaving the few outcasts remaining.
“I can’t believe it has taken something like this to get through to them,” Paul Steer said.
Everyone agreed.
Rose glanced down at where her hand was locked with Peter’s. Both of their hands were locked tight.
Chapter Ten
Peter took Rose home. He didn’t want her waiting around any longer than she had to. After he’d spoken with Dean they’d left. She was silent as he pulled into the driveway. He cut the engine off and climbed out. Walking around the car he helped her out.
“I didn’t see my parents. Do you think they even know what’s going on?” Rose asked.
“I think they do.”
He helped her into the house, taking her straight to the sitting room. Peter didn’t see the use of tea or coffee. Pouring a scotch for both of them, he handed her a glass before taking a seat next to her.
“Do you really think Gabriel’s speech will help?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Peter gave her his undivided attention.
“I think the town is in shock. Cape Falls has never had to live through something like this. Everything is always brushed aside as if it doesn’t matter. I hope it changes things,” Peter said.
“What was it like for you and Laura when you left?” Rose asked.
He watched her toe off her shoes and settle her feet underneath her body.
“They cut us off. Her family refused to talk to her, and she was pregnant with Dean’s baby. I was the one who told Dean to walk away. I thought he was too old for her and he’d only make her miserable.” Peter laughed, recalling their conversation. “I then searched him out and begged him to return. At least, I think I begged him.”
“You had two opportunities to get Laura, and you didn’t take either of them.”