Chapter 12
“The Lord will see to it that you’re vindicated.”
–Angel King
Duke paid the babysitter and thanked her for watching his daughters after he and Angel returned to his home from the police station.
“Well, that’s one call I never want to get again!” said Angel once they were alone.
“That’s one call I never thought I’d have to make!” replied Duke. “Thanks for coming to bail me out. I’m sorry I put you through that.”
Angel set her car keys down on the coffee table, and Duke helped her out of her coat. “I think my heart stopped when I heard you say that you were in jail. Thank God I was able to get you out. I wouldn’t be able to stomach the thought of you having to spend the night in that place.”
“You and me both!” Duke exhaled and flopped onto the sofa. “Sitting in that holding cell, I couldn’t get my mind off what you said before I left.”
“What was that?”
“You told me not to trust Mya. I should have listened.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. Not even I could’ve predicted that she would take it this far!” Angel softly broached the inevitable question that had to be addressed. “Duke, I know your mind is probably racing a thousand different ways right now, so I didn’t want to press you at the station or in the car. And I don’t want you to think I’m accusing you of anything, but I’ve got to ask. Exactly what went down between you and Mya in LA?”
Duke ran his hand over his face. “Nothing, as far as I know! I mean, we flew out to LA, and everything seemed cool. We met with our clients and accomplished everything we went out there to do. We came back, and the next thing I know, I’m shackled in handcuffs and being charged with sexual assault!”
“But there had to be something. What could she have against you to substantiate these claims? They can’t just take her word for it without any proof, can they?”
“Obviously, they can.” Duke rubbed his wrists, still sore from the handcuffs.
“I can’t understand why she’d bring up these fake charges against you.” Angel sat down next to him. “So did you all argue? Was there some kind of misunderstanding?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. The most she can say is that we had a glass of wine with dinner, and that wasn’t a crime the last time I checked.”
Angel was a bit unnerved by this new development. “It is if she’s underage. I thought you said she’s twenty.”
“She’s twenty-one. She was carded, so no crime there.”
“Did you do or say anything that could be misconstrued as sexual harassment? Did you touch her in any way?”
Duke seemed reluctant to answer the question. “We talked. Admittedly, the conversation may have gotten a little flirtatious at times, but it definitely wasn’t anything to warrant sexual assault charges.”
Angel became quiet and solemn. “So you flirted with her.”
“If you can even call it that,” argued Duke. “Just a couple of jokes and innuendos here and there. It was all very PG.” Duke saw the doubt in her eyes. “You believe me, don’t you, Angel? I swear, I didn’t touch that girl! Not to brag, but I’ve never had to force a woman to do anything. And why would I go after that little girl when I have a woman like you waiting for me at home?”
Angel caressed the side of his face. “Don’t worry. I believe you.”
“Thank you.” Duke was comforted. “Even though these charges are completely bogus, I’m hiring a lawyer first thing in the morning.”
“I think that’s a good idea. I know you didn’t do what she’s accusing you of, but you still need good representation.”
Duke nodded. “Can you believe she had the police come up to my job to arrest me? I was fingerprinted and booked like a common criminal, and I’ve never even so much as gotten a speeding ticket!”
Angel’s heart went out to him. “As terrible as that must’ve been for you, I’d rather it happened there than here. Can you imagine how frightened the girls would’ve been to see you taken away in handcuffs?”
“Yeah, I know. I guess I should be thankful that it’s my colleagues, not my daughters, who think I’m a rapist.”
“Honey, no one thinks that,” Angel assured him. “Mya is not going to get away with this. The Bible speaks against bearing false witness, and the Lord will see to it that you’re vindicated.”
“I’m not worried about being convicted by the Lord. I’m worried about being convicted by the law!”
“He’s a lawyer in a courtroom. By the time this is over, everyone will know that Mya is lying. We will clear your name in no time, I promise.”
“I wish it was that simple, Angel, but the fact is that this nightmare is just getting started.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re not going to be negative or assume the worst outcome. We serve Jehovah Nissi. The Lord is our banner of love and protection.”
“That’s exactly what I need Him to be right now!”
“And He will be! I’m sure you’re emotionally exhausted.” Angel rubbed his shoulders. “Do you want something to eat or drink?”
Duke shook his head. “The only thing I want to do right now is kiss my girls good night, hop in the shower, and pretend this whole scene never even happened.”
“Okay, try not to let them see how upset you are. Kids are very perceptive, and you don’t want to scare them.”
“I won’t.” He stood up, then leaned down to kiss Angel. “I’ll be back in a sec.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Before going upstairs, he turned around. “You have no idea how much it means to me to have you on my side,” said Duke. “What means the most to me is that you never doubted my innocence for a second. I love you for that.”
She smiled. “I love you too, baby.”
Angel was relieved that Duke had faith in her and her belief in his innocence. Now she just needed to convince herself.