Owen stepped into the interview room alongside Robert, shaking the hand of the detective in the room. “Mr Gasnier, I’m Solomon Crane.”
All three sat at the interview table, and Crane began the interview process. “Well, Mr Gasnier, you’ve been accused of sexual misconduct. You’re allowed and encouraged to make a statement. Please be aware this statement can and will be used as evidence during any court proceedings.”
“I didn’t do it.”
Crane gave a patient smile. “I see you’ve never done one of these before.”
“I don’t make a habit of getting charged, no. The only people I assault, I get paid for.”
“Fair enough. What would be most helpful for yourself, Mr Gasnier, would be to tell me what did happen that day. Your version. Try not to leave out any details as they might be important.”
“Important?”
“In determining who’s telling the truth.”
“Look, Detective, I know you’re only trying to do your job, but I kinda feel like I’m backed into a corner here. I honestly don’t think there’s anything I can say that will convince you that I’m innocent. I could give you a run down of my entire day, but I don’t think it will help.
She approached me. I was in the shower. I came out and she was in the room. Yes, I was naked. I always am in the shower. We did have a brief conversation, and yes, I was naked for a time while talking to her. Maybe I should’ve covered up sooner. Maybe I should've demanded she leave immediately. I didn't. I was stunned.
Then she kissed me. Not the other way around. I asked her to leave. She said she wanted to party and there would be no one back there to catch us. When I again asked her to leave, she did. That was it or so I thought. I wish there was a camera inside the room so you could see for yourself.”
“Interesting you mention that. The cameras. By law, companies can’t have cameras in bathrooms or change rooms, but they can have them outside the door. When given this case, that was one of the first things I did. Look at the tape for that day. Or try to. Surprisingly, that day has magically disappeared.
Robert leaned forward. “What?”
Owen gave a scoff. “Of course, it has.”
“Mr Gasnier, I have to ask. Do you have any enemies? Anyone that might want to see you out of the ring? Anyone with a vendetta?”
Owen and his father exchanged glances. Yes, he did. The shadow element that infected their sport. Right now, the only person out of that element’s reach was the champion. The champion, as the face of the sport, the drawcard, was nearly untouchable.
He and his team could dictate any match they wanted. Their choice of opponent was matched heavily alongside the challenger's merit, but if the champion didn't want to face you, there was no power to change that. Luckily, greed and ego usually won the day.
“Yeah, I do. I wish I could tell you their names, but I don’t know them. They’ve been after me for a while, trying to make sure I don’t get the title.”
“Have you taken this to the sport’s governing body?”
“No. We don’t know how deep this goes...” Robert said. “Or high. We don’t know who to trust. She could be a plant intended to get him disqualified from the match. He's undefeated, so Diaz won't deny him. That whole ego and greed thing. But a scandal would suit the shadow element down to the ground. Owen was ready to retire. I was on the phone with the promoter of the fight when this came up.”
“You were ready to retire? Are you not now?”
“No. I thought it was what I needed to do, but... I was set straight. I may be backed into a corner but fighters fight. I won’t let them take my shot away from me. I’ll co-operate in any way I can.”
Owen stopped as a knock on the door made the entire room freeze. Another officer interrupted them and addressed Crane. “'Scuse me, you might want to pick up line two.”
Crane nodded and reached for the receiver next to him, which showed line two blinking away. He pressed the piece to his ear, said a few words, looked up at Owen, said another few words, and put it down again. “Well, I’ve got some interesting news for you. I’ve just been told the charges have been dropped.”
“Wait... what does that mean?”
“You’re free to go.”
“That’s it?” Owen asked, not hiding his shock and relief.
“It doesn’t have to be.”
“What do you mean?”
“Mr Gasnier, you said there are elements of your profession that have sinister motives. In my line of work, I’ve dealt with elements like these. You’re free to go, but if I understand you correctly, they’ll try again. I’m willing to listen and to help. Talk to me.”